Transitions

I've been feeling somewhat idle lately. I've also been feeling a bit melancholy. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that I'll soon be entering into a new decade of my life. For so long I've focused on the well-being of others and neglected myself. So now as I cross the bridge into the 4th decade of my life it is creeping up on me that I really need to broaden my focus and acknowledge my own needs. As a woman, as a mom, and as someone with, well, less than stellar self-esteem this is something that is incredibly hard for me to admit, let alone act on.

But I'm making an effort to be more authentic and more kind to myself. I won't lie; this requires constant effort and finding balance is so not my strong suit. It is much easier for me to be sarcastic and self depreciating. Yet this is something that I know is essential for my health so as I transition from my 30's into my 40's, I'm {slowly} transitioning my mindset.

Blink of an Eye

My baby turned 2 the other day. TWO! Where did the time go???

I can't believe how fast these two years have gone by and wish I could stop time. This little angel is so amazing, so happy, so sweet, and so much my everything. He has developed such a fantastic personality and I love watching him enjoy his world.

I hope the next two years, heck the next 10 or 20 years, don't go by in the blink of an eye.

Happy Birthday Beautiful Baby.

Majestic Wonder

In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. - Alice Walker



It isn't the showiest flower. It isn't the most beautiful. It doesn't have a fragrance. It certainly isn't long lived. But it is truly remarkable. It is regal and cheery, and it lights up children's eyes with wonder at it's majesty.

The sunflower is nature's perfection.

Bliss

When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses. ~Joyce Brothers

Cape Cod is our happiness. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the break from it all...our bliss. This year's trip did not disappoint.


Heading to the beach to enjoy the surf and sun. *splendid*


Wandering out into the bay in search of hermit crabs. *delight*


My heart, my soul, my pure love. *joy*


*serenity*


My sweet, amazing, incredible loves. *blessed*


Family happiness is enjoying the important things in life - togetherness. *euphoria*


An angel on earth. *love magnified*


Beach days are the best days. *heaven*


Bubbles on the beach powered by mother nature. *double heaven*


Ahhh, lobster roll and onion rings. *holy heaven*


Double ahhhh, fish tacos sooooo goooood. *rapture*


Shrek 4 at the drive in...a child's bliss *happy nostalgia*


Clamming in the cape. *magical*


First find. *enchantment*


Another day of clamming because it is so magical, especially through a child's eyes. *stupendous*


Riding the Cape Cod Rail Trail. *marvelous*


The cape. *peace*


Our family. *extraordinary*

ETA: wow, crappy photo upload - really noticeable since I changed the blogger photo size settings!!! I probably should go back and refind the images and change them here, but that is a project for another day.... I think my sentiment is still present here. :)

A Happy (?) Family Outing

I {heart} blueberries.
I {heart} Patriot blueberries.
I especially {heart} blueberry picking and even more so when it is for the Patriot blueberries!

Every year, this is one family tradition that I completely look forward to. I love the time together. I love the wide open orchard and sounds of nature. I love selecting and tasting the different varieties of berries. I love the plink-plink from berries dropping in the pails. So, come hell or high water, I want to go blueberry picking! Well this year proved to give us both - a bit of hell and some high water!

N was dealing with swimmer's ear and a middle ear infection, J also had swimmer's ear, and M just liked to play the role of little sister ("annoying", as her big brothers would say). However, this was the week that Patriots were ready for picking and the weatherman said that the rain would hold out until the afternoon. So I threw the ear drops and pain meds in my purse and we headed up to my favorite perfect orchard about 45 minutes away. Fingers crossed for a happy family outing.

We noticed that the closer we got to the orchard, the darker the sky became. Uh, not a good sign! We arrived, but...within 10 minutes it started sprinkling. Within 15 minutes it was a full out downpour! Excuse Me?! What happened to "no rain until this afternoon"??? *sigh* Fortunately, Ken packed a few umbrellas for the kids. Few = three. THREE umbrellas (we have 4 kids). Uh huh. Now I was REALLY crossing my fingers for a semi happy family outing.

No matter; we were there, already soaked, the bushes were filled with oodles of yummy berries begging to be picked...so I did. Fifteen pounds worth of berries - enough for us and some to share with the neighbors - not bad for a quick pick in pouring rain. :-) At least I was happy!