Happy Birthday my sweet Chicadee-dee-dee!

Today, you are 7, and you are so excited that you are 7. In the last year I've caught glimpses of you transitioning from child to little lady. You are both, and now and then there are sweet glimpses of each.

I can still remember the day that you were born. It was sunny and warm. We had the check up with the midwife, and I was good to go. I remember the strength of our midwife, the serene peace that she radiated, and her quiet strength and encouragement. I remember Daddy sitting behind me in the tub, supporting me as I pushed you out. I remember seeing you for the first time, holding you to my chest, and singing "Sat nam" to you, and the quietness that followed in the room.

Last night, as I stayed up late decorating the house with streamers (because I knew that you loved them), writing your card, and putting together your birthday books, I held you in my heart.

You have been such an incredible light in my life. Every day you amaze me with your stories, your thoughts, your presence, your essence. Your smile is a light in the darkness. Your hugs and your touch the greatest treasure.

My hear overflows with gratitude for you my now sweet 7YO. I adore you. I love you. I treasure you. You are such an amazing blessing in my life. Happy, happy birthday my love!

A day of perfect moments...

The day started with some quiet morning exercise and getting ahead on work.

Catching the kiddos reading side-by-side on the couch.

We spent a good hour or two outside on the swing - reading, playing animals, and making the swing into a huge tent.

After lunch we headed into town to spend time with a friend.

Discovering the power of a hug, pure love, holding a hand, and whispering the words, "I love you."

Being told that bringing your children for a visit was "Simply marvelous" and that the visit was truly "lovely" and basking in that person's gratitude as a result.

Being fully, totally, breathtakingly aware of the power of friendship and the simple gift of a stone with a few powerful words written on it.

Holding on to precious moments enough to make them blessed and sacred memories... then having to let go.

A spontaneous outdoor picnic with bouncing and giggling kids.

Witnessing the compassion and depths that each of my young children contain. Still amazes me.

Feeling gratitude for the simple gifts of books to my child.

Tenderly carrying two sleeping luvs into the house.

Coming home to a hug and kiss from the hubby.

Holding my family close... and remembering.

Today I treasured...

Seeing a friend that is dear to my heart after a long absence.

Remembering and committing to memory a hug including all of the senses, especially touch. Feeling the soft hair and skin. Hearing myself whisper, "I love you." and feeling it from the depths of my soul. Wishing I'd gotten more hugs in, and treasuring the two I did get in.

Watching two faces light up with joy, especially since the bodies weren't feeling so well.

Hearing laughter of children.

Watching a child explore the texture of the floor.

Feeling the love in the room, as though each person's heart was open and receptive to the love.

Creating a memory that I will treasure forever.

Being mindful through chaos

March has been an appropriate month to be mindful in. It would seem, that life has picked up on my end, with all sorts of joys, concerns in regards to the health of a friend and a father, more appointments then planned, and quite a few projects hanging in the queue. Thankfully, I've been able to find moments throughout the day, to pause and breathe.

I've also discovered a certain awareness I was lacking. I discovered a confidence I didn't know I had; the ability to take a step forth despite my fears and face them. And to realize, that it was a very beneficial step.

I've been breathing in my children, pausing and taking them in with all of my senses. I've been listening, watching, noticing. I am treasuring the way my eldest reads to my youngest. Seeing how well she's learning. Catching her sitting in sun spots, and spontaneously sketching when she wants. And seeing the smile on my youngest's face when she sees her sis awake...

All wonderful things to notice amidst life's chaos...

I am mindful...

Of my lil one's anime hair.

Of sweet, sweet toddlin' feet.

Of my eldest's love for tangrams. (And she's good mind you...)

Of a sleeping babe in my arms...

Of the fact that I still enjoy Winter's bliss...

Yes, I am enjoying slowing down, and noticing the little things. Taking a deep breath, and putting myself out there for a change. I am mindful of facing a fear without knowing the consequences. I am mindful of how much I adore my husband and my children. I am mindful of what happens when you take a chance and open up.

March 1 - Mindful Visuals

This morning, I was mindful of my body. Breathing in, feeling the movement, getting the heart pumping.

Instead of the usual jumping into schooling, we took a pause to watch the birds. The girls really got into it, and we tried to discovered what the song was we heard. We think it's a type of wren or sparrow. We are not certain.

Then, we took time to read some poetry by Frost.

I was mindful of the dishes piling up, and how quickly it took to clean them up.

While the little one slept, the eldest and I worked together.

And this little miss (Spider) helps with math, by jumping from problem to problem.

And now, it's to work and then to mindfully sink under the covers and to bed.

March 1 - Mindful of Feelings

This morning, I am mindful of how I feel. There is a tiredness, an anticipation and an anxiety within me. I can feel the tightness in my chest - the solar plexus and heart area. Today, I am breathing through it, letting myself really feel it instead of running from it.

I breathe in, and I go and dwell there. I face the fear and tension. I focus on my breath... I breath in... I breathe out and I let go...

And as I breathe, I am gifted to hear the sweet spring song of a bird. I listen. I listen and I breathe.