dark and lovely

A long week but a very happy Friday...Reece really has done well through it all. There have been moments by BOTH of us, but considering we've been cooped up together in a small space, he's been awesome. I often hit some weird wall where I need to eat and get grumpsville. Yesterday afternoon and this morning, I struggled the most. I JUST needed to get out of the house and almost lost it when I saw a car outside the house as we were readying to leave. It seemed like we were going to be cooped up again this morning. We got in the car and prayed together, being thankful for what we have, but also asking for perseverance just a little longer for whatever the day brought. We asked for God to work out the little details. And He did. We were able to eat breakfast out together and run errands this morning, and had some good time together before nap. We haven't had that all week.

Before that, Reece dropped his open water bottle on the floor in the car and I snapped at him. Seconds later, I apologized for getting frustrated about something sooooo small. He immediately responded with, "No, no, (waving his hands) that's ok, mom." He's been very forgiving (as have I) this week, and we've talked about how loving God and loving each other is so much more important than any of these teeny tiny things. I know I'll still snap every now and then, but the apology, forgiveness, and reminder of what is important is so good. No better way to teach than right in the muck of it. Dark and lovely.

I'm not proud of snapping, but it is life and realistically, it will happen again. I am thankful for (and will keep praying for) a humble heart when it does happen and an opportunity to BE the mom, wife, and woman I aim for. I love you so much, Reece, and will keep trying to love you better. <3

This week

We've been sequestered to my bedroom nearly all of the week this week. Lots of movies, snuggling, and eating in my bed. ; )
I've nearly lost my mind a couple of times, butit is all for a good cause.You'll have to wait just a little longer for the final result.

3's company

Shaving duo

There's a picture of Darren and his father on our bathroom wall.
It is a little boy shaving in the mirror right next to his daddy, mimicking his every movement and yearning to be just like him.

That same moment happened this morning during Darren's usual morning routine. It is a treasured memory for sure.

Not allowed to post the pic of my bare-chested guys, but wanted to remember this sweet shaving duo today. <3

Fever

Playdate with Mel, Ang and the kiddos on Friday seemed to result in some stitches for Miss D and sickness for all the little ones.

Not sure where it came from or how it got to us, but Reece had a fever on Sunday and just wasn't himself. He fell asleep on the couch and rather than taking him to his room, we just let him be. How many times did we look at him, look at each other and sigh at what a precious little gift he is.

A penguin sitting down

I love how minimal it is.
He specifically brought it over to show me.
He said, "It is a penguin sitting down."
Indeed it is. <3

Well-rounded

Snapped a few (low quality) shots of Reece and the boys at Lil Sluggers today. They really showed off their skills with batting, fielding, and sliding.Love the air and the form with one leg well tucked under.Reece apparently admiring his hit.
Coach Hillary is yelling for him to run, "GO!"Nice slide!Reece fielding Caleb's ball. Good alligator hands.

Peas in a pod

Reece and his daddy are like two peas in a pod these days.Reece can't wait for him to come home, and immediately wants to play.

I am so thankful for their time together these days. This is such important bonding age for daddys and little boys.

At the same time, I do miss wrestling around, playing outside, taking long nature walks, and racing with him. But, nevertheless, this time is still sweet.

My gal pal Olivia

I love pizza

Last day of VBS is today, and even though a slightly shorter day, a pizza party is planned.

The first words echoed (loudly) from Reece's room this morning were"I LOVE PIZZA!"Sure made Darren and I laugh. I wish I started my days with that kind of enthusiasm for what each one brings. <3

Just what the dr ordered

Thursday Grayson came over. Reece was so glad to see his friend.
I had a little quality time w/ the boys while Kir took Fozzie to the dr.
Between Grayson's broken foot, his cool new walking boot, and Fozzie's visit, doctors were on the brain.

I heard them talking doctors, and found Reece giving Grayson a shot.Reece was putting on HIS walking boot. (and yes, it was a matter of minutes that the room went from decent to this.)Your friendship is like good medicine. <3

Neighborly 4th

Love our annual neighborhood 4th of July parade, and love even more attending together. This year, 6 cars caravanned over, 7 families sat together in all.Our crew.

And my crew....And next year, we'll have 1 more. <3After the parade, the silliness and candy eating began.We then met at Texadelphia for lunch.
The kids were fascinated by the pinball machine.
I was like the papparazzi sneaking a shot of Kellie and her cute belly.
Love it.

Happy 4th, everybody.