Music, Movies and other Randomness

I put music back on the blog.  I’ve been a bit obsessive about finding a way to bring it back since MixPod put a “Closed” sign on their door.  Silly, I know.  I’m guessing that most people don’t even pay attention to my playlist or even mute it as soon as the blog appears.  But for some reason, the music has become important to me.  When I write, I write to music.  Sometimes, I listen to music that matches my mood.  Sometimes, I listen to music to change my mood.  Sometimes, I listen to music to remember. Sometimes I listen to music to forget.  Whatever the case, I’m usually listening to music. 

So, I’ve added a Spotify playlist to the blog.  If you want to hear the song I selected for the day (Aunt Carol) just press play.  If you’d rather not hear the music, lucky you. . . do nothing. 

Currently, Mumford and Sons  sing to me.  My mood is matched perfectly. . . a good mix of mellow, motivated, reflective, and dreamy.  How’s that for you?  I know. . . my poor husband.

Truth is, Chad just returned home from being away this week.  After we finished dinner and cleaned up the kitchen, his gift to me was to escape for a bit to regroup, refresh, and do what I enjoy. . .write.

I’m thankful for a few moments to steal away and reflect and reminisce.  Most of the week without him was spent just surviving.  Seriously, single Mamas, Military wives, and those who are doing it on their own have all my respect.  I’m pretty sure I would have a mental breakdown on a daily basis without my partner.  

Overall, we had a good week.  (Outside of our oven door literally falling off in pieces 30 minutes after he left).

It’s funny how when Chad is gone I have no problem doing things a bit differently.  You guys want to stay up late and watch a movie and eat popcorn on a school night? Sure. Why not?

ABC Family helped us out by playing Christmas movies every night in December.  Though, it hardly feels like December where we live.  Temperatures have been far above where they usually are this time of year and we are taking advantage of it.

Bare legs in December are unheard of, but we are loving it. 

I know, you’re jealous of my mad art skills. . . don’t be, I’ve been at it for years.

Sometimes, or more accurately, often times, I am not aware of how sacred these moments are until I get a little space to step away and look at them.  As I look at them now I find myself wishing that I could take them in from their eyes.  Read their thoughts, and feel what they feel. . .

Are they storing these memories in the far recesses of their mind to be brought up and retold to their children?  What do they think about when they lay in the darkness of their bedrooms?  Do they think to themselves. . . I’m happy?  I’m blessed?  We’ve got it good?  I hope so.  We are far from perfect parents.  I will be the first to admit my weaknesses, failures, and endless bad mom moments. . . but  more than anything I hope those moment pale in comparison to the deposits we are making in the “good moments” bank.

And speaking of good moments. . . we did it. . .

Despite preparing Charlie and Chanelle for our treeless, decoration-less Christmas. . . we just couldn’t do it.  We hopped on the back of a trailer and took our seats on bales of hay and made our way out into a field to find the perfect tree. . .

And we did find the perfect tree except that Charlie thought it was a bit too “bottom heavy”.

Regardless of the warm temperatures,  now that we have tiny lights and red and gold bulbs glowing in the corner of the living room, December feels real now.  We are doing our best to soak in the special December moments amidst the craziness that this month brings.  As the end of the year approaches, I find myself reflecting on yet another year gone by.  It all happens so quickly, doesn’t it?  Ah, but I’m not ready to go there just yet.  We’ve got cookies to bake, decorations to hang, Joy To The World’s to sing, and late night Christmas movies to enjoy.  First things first, right?

The things you do when you love photography. . . . heart shaped bokeh.

Wishing you a weekend filled with all the joys December holds.