Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Savory

Life can be savory. There are sweet moments that contribute to the overall flavor, but when I sit down and add up all the flavors of the day, I think it comes down to savory. There's a little spice from someone's new idea, bite (tart) from someone's bad attitude, sweetness from a tender moment, and so many other flavors in between.

The handsome people in this household have been in full roar and I frequently feel like I'm just along for the ride (and yes, to change that random diaper or two ten). We've been filling our springtime days with hikes in the woods, visits to the zoo, garden planting, chai tea, picnics on the porch, raincoats on rainy days, spring cleaning (so much more efficient with all the helpers around here), painting the house, grooming the horses and the occasional fits of despair (wailing and gnashing of teeth for the unfair treatment that accompanies a household where we are none of us the center of the world - Argh). Madigan is currently cantering around the house (left lead) totally in the nude. Declan is trying to figure out how to fit a square block into a circular cup (it can be done using the right size of cup, you know). Lochlan is catching up on his beauty sleep so that he can continue charming us into oblivion upon his awakening.









Photography by Gwenn McCaleb (AKA Gumbum)

I love you more

today than I ever have before. I don't know how it's possible but every day I love you even more, my little men.

Thank you Gumbum (Gwenn McCaleb) for the photos!

Gumbum came to visit!

Too much time away from the little men is just not healthy, so Gumbum decided to change her visiting schedule to shorter, more frequent visits. It has been wonderful for us to see her more often and one of the things we try to do when she comes is go see something we've not seen before, or that we've seen before and loved. This time we spent a day exploring the Natchez Trace Pkwy which was such a delight! In other Gumbum news... As we were driving along the Highway, a few weeks ago, Madigan yelled out, "Gumbum! Mommy, it's Gumbum!" I looked up to see a rotating billboard with an image of Diane Keaton on it. Hilarious to be sure, but even funnier because for 20 years countless people have commented on how much Mom resembles DK. I've never thought she looked like her as much as acted like her (watch DK's mannerisms, and you will totally understand), but apparently she looks like her too.



Friday, April 05, 2013

So much still to learn

Sitting here on the couch listening to all my boys chatting/whining/pining for just a few more moments of wakefulness. They're all in bed and all awake. I should be frustrated, yes, but I find there is some small comfort I feel in hearing their little voices, even at this hour.

These little people have changed my life in so many ways - in their own ways. Madigan has shown me that there is SO INCREDIBLY MUCH MORE to life than I ever thought possible. Each day throws us new opportunities, gives us endless adventure just waiting to be had if we have the energy/drive to have it. Secondly, he has this ability to be utterly transparent, and it is so incredibly appealing. Declan continues to teach me how important it is to stop and spend time loving the ones you love. He has shown me that doing so changes lives. Secondly, he reminds me (daily) how easily I can build someone up, or tear them down. I am learning each day to be more careful how I react to the insanity that often seems to prevail in this household and always hold these tender hearts carefully, even in my frustration. Lochlan is the definition of joy. I thought I understood the meaning of contentment, until I met him. He has shown me that there is joy to be found even in the smallest things ("Mommy, you heard my wailing - that makes me so happy!"). Secondly, he has shown me how much we need one another. His desire to be with me (or anyone available and willing) is innate. He comes close to demanding it, but it is something he deeply appreciates.

And... the latest from the peanut gallery:
 Madigan walked out of his room with a box packed with a pair of pants, 1 shirt, socks, Hun-Hun and some toys. He boldly stated: "Bye-bye Mommy. I'm flying to Austin to see Ankie Tae (Krista)." He was headed out until I reasoned with him that the weather might not be the best for flying today.

Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Brown Bear kind of morning...

Madigan went to the zoo this morning with his dear friend, Vaughn, so Paugie and I got some quality time together during Lochlan's naptime. Here are some photos I couldn't resist getting.  We played ball, hung out clothes (one of his favorite "helping" activities), read books, played on the porch in the sunshine, built towers with his blocks and drank chai (now he won't stop chasing me around the house for another "sip"- I've created a monster!). I love my little brown bear!



 





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