Life in the Slow Lane

**DISCLAIMER!** Sometimes I use the blogging app, and apparently this never posted:( Enjoy anyway, even though it mentions summer, it's still a great thought for every day with our children! I've been busy really enjoying my summer with the boys home. And I just finished reading my blog book! I've been trying to read a few books a week, but so far have been disappointed with every one I've gotten through. What are you reading right now? Back to our summer. When the boys were smaller, I have to admit, I was not a hands-on summer mom. I would do the daily routine and duties that were associated with having small people(fed them, took them to the park, play dates), but I never really jumped into the summer with them. A few years ago I learned the importance of being really present with them. Not on the phone, not texting or watching tv, just with them. I've learned to take them fishing, to the beach for the day, hiking, or just play board games with them. I kn...

Can it really be? My baby is 10? TEN.....it just doesn't seem possible. Ten years ago I only saw 4th of July fireworks from a hospital window. Ten years ago I was just a girl who wanted a baby more than anything in life, not knowing what an emotional roller coaster it would be. Ten years ago I wasn't even half the woman I am now, because nothing has ever made me grow up or evolve more than having Chris. Ten years ago I didn't know how great life would be ten years later. Chris is an amazing young man, with an incredibly bright future ahead. I know I sometimes expect way too much from him, but its hard not to knowing how absorbent and grand his brain is. He has dreams of being a marine biologist, magician, and the guy who cures cancer. Whatever his path and life, may he be happy and healthy throughout his journey. Happy 10th Birthday, Christopher. I hope today is a great start to your year ahead! xoxo                         ...

I hear that comment all the time. Have since I was young actually. I was never the gal that slept my day away. My parents got up early, so it just became habit. But with the habit came some clarity of why people get up early. To me, the early hours are the best, most important part of the day. Sure it's coffee time on the porch, but its also bonding time with the family. My guy leaves for work at 7, so that one or two hours before he leaves is a time to relax before the hurry, talk, and watch nature from the porch together. We have some of our best conversations at 5am when we are recharged! And my boys. They are early risers for sure, since they were born. Our early morning hours together are lovely. They are still quiet from just waking, and not fighting. But they are also so sweet, and cuddly. We might watch tv in bed, hang on the porch, or just sit at the dining room table. Wherever we are, it's our time of day to really connect. Spending that extra time together also sets ...

Last night, I was just about finished with a blanket I've been crocheting for quite some time now. I was |this close| and suddenly I hit a snag. A tangled web of yarn that brought me to a screeching hault...argh!!! I could have just cut the yarn at the knot, and started again, but I  refused and continued to try to untangle it.  As I sat and attempted to make my way through all the little loops and twists, it made me start thinking about my life. It's no secret that my life has been full of twists and turns the last two years. Many bumps, many complicated knots, many tears. But I saw my end goal. I knew where I was heading, just had to off-road a bit to get there. Slowly but surely, I've found the other end of my yarn of life. I see now that all of the knots I had to undo were very worth the stress and aggravation. The nice part that ties together this little blog post is my guy. He not only helped me untangle my yarn to finish the blanket this morning, but he also helpe...