Thanksgiving

We traveled 13 hours - through 8 states - this year to give thanks with dear friends. I could write about the technical pieces of our trip: the fun the kids had, the sites that were seen, the food that was consumed (and how delicious it was). I am abundantly thankful for all of this, but there is something bigger; something greater than fun, food, and sites: friendship.

A friendship that has remained consistent in integrity, health and love through 20 years of moving, growing, and changing. A friendship that has intensified through disagreements, re-alignments, and family ideals. This friendship that started when we were a mere 12 years old.

A friendship that laughs through sleet, deep puddles, and crying babies.

A friendship that encourages through stressful, intense moments; the moments that often get covered up, except in the presence of those you most trust. Those that you know will love you regardless of your faults, anxieties, and insecurities. A friendship that celebrates differences and embraces similarities.

A frienship that hums love songs while playing Crazy 8's with the children. No holding back. A friendship that laughs hysterically even when it isn't that funny. A friendship that digs deep into the soul without condemnation. A friendship that includes the family; one where the dads embrace one another and spend a morning at the zoo with all the children while we talk and reminisce while preparing Thanksgiving dinner together.

A friendship that enjoys being together and remains strong while we are apart.

This kind of friendship is worth way more than a 13 hour drive.

In Which She Grows Up

I know, I know. It has been a long time. I have been too busy living life to write about it. The days seem to run together between raising 5 children, an extensive remodel, and life happenings. Well, the remodel is nearly done....the raising of the 5 children is ongoing and so is life, but I find it necessary to blog tonight.

You see, the oldest is growing up. It happened in the middle of laughter, tears, stress, and peace. It happened while I combed her hair; it happened when she learned to comb her own hair. It happened when she took her first steps, said her first word, and lost her first tooth. It happened when she read her first book and wrote her first story. It happened, and it is still happening.

As part of the remodel, we promised her her own room. A place for her to be her pre-teen self. And then it really happened.

She chose colors and lamps. She asked for decorations and fabric. She requested a chair for her birthday. We tucked her in the first night. Then we came downstairs and emotion overtook us. Dear Husband and I cried together. We didn't know it would feel like this.

When did our baby become a young lady? When did she trade in tiaras and toys for soap making and writing? Don't get me wrong, she still indulges in the daily imaginative adventure, but it is different.

I walk alongside her while we grocery shop; just the two of us, and I realize that I am looking directly into her eyes. I no longer look down and gaze upon the top of her head. I look into her eyes. Big eyes, like her Daddy's.

We talk about when she was two. Her massive fit that one time at the store. She laughs and says, "I sure am glad I don't do that anymore." I agree, but I miss it too. I miss the little giggles. I miss the dancing princess in her red tutu. But I look forward to so much more. I look forward to our late night conversation. I look forward to asking her opinion. I look forward to sharing shoes. I look forward to more date hikes and late nights making soap together.

And so it is happening. She is growing up.

Winter Beauty

Capturing moments like this makes the long winters more bearable.

My Girls

My Girls. They grow more beautiful every day. I am overwhelmed by their grace, kindness, creativity, wit, and adventurous spirits. Their individual personalities add so much substance to my life. Someday soon, I hope to do a photo post all about my boys. With court coming up quickly (April 10th) to be exact, we are hoping for some sort of new direction. The foster limbo is exhausting, but we have a precious little guy to love on and nurture. A little guy who is full of smiles and loves the camera. I have folders full of photos just waiting to be shared with all of you. Until then, we will enjoy the girls. They are delightful, and they are mine, and I am blessed to be their mom.

Right Where We Are

Winter has been long and cold. We survive by living right where we are. Home. This is where we venture from. To walk through the woods to the ice rink, to drive five minute to cross country ski, to sled, and to explore endless hours in the woods,. This is where we are. It is home, and I am thankful.