Running chatter is what happens when the thoughts are whirling, swirling, and endless.
1.
It’s January. It’s “only” January. I uttered those words for the first time today, indicating that cabin fever is beginning to set in. I miss the vibrant green color of the grass and subtle pink of our roses. I long to feel the warmth of the bright yellow sun hit my face. I miss squealing kids spraying each other with the hose and sidewalk chalk coating our shorts and feet as we draw rainbows, people, and hopscotch boxes all over the driveway. Oh, and the smell of sun screen slathered on my little ones. . . I am so missing that. It’s only January. . . can I get an Amen?
Within my radar, though, is the reality that the birth of spring and the heat of summer only bring me closer to the days when I will have two kids in school and, well, I guess I can sit in January a little while longer.
The other day, the kids and I were leaving early in the morning to go to a doctor’s appointment. As we were walking out the door, Charlie stopped in his tracks, turned around and ran back inside and yelled, “Mommy! You forgot your camera!” So, maybe it’s pathetic that I document everything, but I am quite certain I won’t regret one photo I have taken during these years. Is it possible to over-document? I don’t think so.
And, as you can see from the above photo, Chanelle is practicing her own skills, as well.
3.
4.
This weekend the kids and I took our first solo outing (that was not a doctor’s appt.) since my surgery. It felt normal. . . and normal was good. We began by schlepping our way through snowy roads and marching our way through a slushy parking lot to reach the library. The kids played with train sets, did puzzles, and played with a Lego table, while I selected an armful of books that we would cart home with us. Then we sat in our quiet corner and read our books until they both decided that being quiet was getting old. On our way home we made a quick stop and scored an awesome game of BINGO on clearance. Is this how every family spends their weekends?
5.
As January forges ahead, I find myself excited about that special day in February when we celebrate one of my favorite things. . . LOVE. Yep, I love love. I don’t think it’s too early to start gathering hearts and creating our very own expressions of love. It may very well be one of those days that so many call a “Hallmark holiday”, but I’m planning on diving in, because let me tell you something. . .
My heart overflows with love not only for the little ones in my home, but for this one, too. I owe him everything, including my sanity, for walking beside me and sometimes even carrying me though this crazy year. Even on hard days, and there have been many as of late, I try to count my blessings. . . and at the top of the list always sits this very gentle-man. . . who I am lucky enough to call my husband.
6. I am a fan of Eleanore Roosevelt. . . she was an obviously wise woman. . .
See? Told you.
Have a happy day, Friends.
Chatter Out.
Ahh, the smell of sunscreen, almost like bottling up the smell of sunshine! Hmmm, maybe we have some leftover from last summer..and if I smell it while sitting near the wood stove and close my eyes (so I can't see the piles of snow), I'll be transported to July, even if just for a moment. Yep, your not the only one with a little cabin fever!
Great blog Summer!!! I miss the baby smell. Glad you could go out by yourselves I am sure you were grateful if not a bit nerveous. Itsn't it wonderful how God gives us the spouse we need!!!! I know I wouldn't know what I would do without Shawn!! Pictures are great again. We need to get together:) Take care. Love you.
🙂 so cute – all these pics. i could feel you going stir crazy just reading. but you pull it all off well. that picture of Chad was totally worth the camera! i'm sure that incriminating photos of him loving stuffed animals was NOT in his plan….but you got a good apple on your hands.
Stacey. . . I got a mental image of you hugging your sunscreen with your eyes closed and it made me smile. I needed that! 🙂 Let the countdown begin!
AH! Cabin fever! I totally understand. Mine usually happens from July – September. (It's too hot to go outside.)
—
Love the pics, as always.