Lovely

Meadow cried a lot today.  A whole lot.

Truthfully, she cries a lot everyday.  It seems that she likes to be held. . . constantly.  I’m sure that I created this monster.  She is happiest when she is being snuggled, kissed, and held close. Hands free doesn’t happen very often these days. I don’t mind this. . . most of the time.   But dinner does need to be prepared, laundry needs folded, etc., etc., etc. . .not to mention two other children to which I need to attend.

I will admit that by the end of the night. . . this Mommy has had it.  Exhaustion and weariness overcome me and the thought of doing it again tomorrow seems quite impossible.  My mantra these days is, it’s a season.  Simple words that I breathe in and breathe out knowing that, in a blink of an eye, this season will pass. 

When nights like this hit I know what I need.  I need perspective.  I need a reality check.  I need to focus on the loveliness that surrounds me.

Really, it’s everywhere. . .

1.  Weekend

We had a lovely weekend.  I think I may have mentioned that it was Chad’s birthday and you want to know something?  I surprised him.  Despite popular opinion that says this girl can not keep a secret. . . this weekend I did. 

Chad didn’t suspect a thing.  The night before his birthday I offered my sincerest apology that we had no plans for his birthday, explaining that with Meadow it’s just hard to really plan for anything.  Being his usual gracious self he assured me it’s okay, I completely understand.

Little did he know I had planned a date for my foodie husband at the restaurant of one of his favorite t.v. chefs.  I told Chad what to wear and when to be ready and let him know that we had the night to ourselves (thanks to my awesome in-laws).  That evening we drove to Michael Symon’s restaurant. 

My food network addicted husband was excited and I was quite thrilled that I was able to keep my mouth shut for an entire month.  We strolled through the streets of the city before finding our way to this tasty bistro.

I wish I had good pictures of this night but it was impossible.  A laughing photographer leads to really blurry photos.  I wish you could really see Chad’s crinkly eye laughter. . .

Or the questionable across-table glances between Chad and his friend. . .

Really questionable glances. . .

I know you love this picture, Dad.

Or the great food at Micheal Symon’s restaurant.

Or Chad blowing out his cookie candle. . .

Or the wives that just grin and bear it. . .

I was incapable of taking a good picture of the night.  Perhaps it wasn’t me, though.  It seems our waitress struggled to get a good shot, as well.

Oh well.  Still, it was a lovely evening.

2. More surprises

There was just one more surprise for Chad on what we labeled his “birthday weekend”.  Sunday, I again directed him to drive 45 minutes from our home, without telling him why.  By this time, he was about done with surprises, but he didn’t push for details.  When we arrived to our destination we sat and waited. . .

. . . up walked his surprise. . 

A family gathering to celebrate.

It was lovely.

3.  Pavement

Finally, it happened. 

My feet touched the pavement.  For the first time this season, I ran outside.  I can’t tell you how good it felt to get off the treadmill and feel the fresh air in my lungs and my pavement under my feet.  Chad and I escaped for a run on a warm and sunny morning and the entire time I jabbered about how beautiful, wonderful, awesome and amazing it was. 

Yes, I’m pretty sure Chad had enough of me by the time we arrived home. It was still lovely for me, though.

4.  Toes

It’s getting warm again. . . have you noticed?  It seemed to sneak up on me this year.  My toes were not prepared.

Eek!

Chanelle remedied the situation today.

There you go, Momma, now you are ready.

5.  Lovely

Need I say more?

6.  Tulips

I woke up today and it was raining.  The clouds were thick and gray.  The house was dark. 

I did something I’ve never done before.  Never. Ever. Ever.

They brightened my day. 

They are lovely. 

Maybe it’s lame that I bought myself flowers.  To me, though, it was a $5 investment in getting my focus on the right things. 

Even on a dreary day. . . the lovely can be found.

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