:: Trying not to get overwhelmed as I get my brood out the door for a camping trip. Little local lake and car camping, not even a hike in and still I struggle to wrap my head around all the stuff. But I also like it, piling up five toothbrushes. Gathering a couple nightshirts - one for the little girl, and one for the big girl. Smiling to myself because the fastidious middle girl already carefully folded and packed a nightgown.
It's fun having a family. Really really fun.
:: Shaking my head at the facebook post I got from my sister. A hip hop video from the nineties that apparently always reminds me of her. Who knew? Hilarious really, as I move around bouncing to the beat... I don't want to be a player no more... (packing tiny underwear), I don't think it's a literal association.
:: Listening to Xi (eight) keep Bella (eleven) company in the bathroom as Bella showers. That Xi is as loyal as a golden retriever.
:: Trying to get used to this pre-teen realm. They take showers without being asked! They also wear head phones a lot like a character in a comic strip. And while the two younger ones bare their bodies around the house, tossing off the damp-from-the-river bathing suit and hunkering down to build a lego structure in full naked glory, the pre-teen? Nothing doing. Last year, yes. This year? No way.
:: Thinking of one of my dearest friends that had to transition her beloved canine friend into the afterlife a few evenings past. She really was a special dog. What an enormous pile of feelings that surrounds the departure of our loved ones. Sigh.
:: Remembering that yesterday going to the river wasn't an option but at the last second Nathan and I arranged for me to bolt out the door during movie night. I peddled my heart out, no kid in the bike seat but a huge dog in the bike trailer. We careened onto the grassy shoulder of the river and without hesitation dove right in. We floated maybe a quarter of a mile, climbed out, and rode home dripping wet. The girls didn't even notice but I feel like I added several months to my overall lifespan.
:: Feeling blessed to get to work with all these parents that are mining their souls for their most shining proud parent selves. It's hard work to hurdle the obstacles strewn across the path of parenthood and these mighty men and women are doing it. It's downright inspiring.
:: Typing fast as I see the sun slanting through the blinds. Time to go.
:: Repeating the mantra, "I have plenty of time" again and again. Loving how it feels to settle into that more peaceful thought.
xo!
