The dirt smudged across her cheek sparkles, and her girly fingernails hide the grit of a day well played. Today she has snuggled under a blanket and read aloud to her brother from a book called, “Warrior”. She danced to pop music in her bedroom and then built legos with her brother when he told her he was bored without her. She left her breakfast behind because she realized she hadn’t fed the animals yet. Out the window I watched her move from one animal to the next, dog, chicken, chicken, chicken, horse, chicken, cat, more chickens, making sure each animal received a bit of attention as she said, “Good…
A Long Time Coming: Bell Birth- Part Two
WARNING: This post will contain graphic photographs. If you are uncomfortable with raw, birth photography…this post isn’t for you! Okay, for those of you so patiently waiting for part two… Thursday: That night around 9pm things started to get more intense and really from that point on Jessica was laboring heavily. Friday: Around midnight they called the midwife, Maria, and her apprentice, Meg, to come. They arrived and set up everything they needed. Important note here: Jessica had woken up at 4am Thursday morning and had not slept a wink since then! So, our original excitement that she would get to deliver the baby after a good nights…
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A Mother’s Garden
Yesterday, we walked among the most beautiful gardens. Hundreds of flowers and each one so spectacular! I do not have a green thumb, and though I am completely fascinated with flowers…it is simply not a skill I have! My mother and all the women on my husband’s side of the family are amazing with flowers and plants! I often wished I had a knack for it, and always imagined that one day I would take the time to really invest myself in learning more and trying harder. I even planned that this summer would be the year I do that! But as the list of things to do this summer…
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Growing Pains
Empathy runs deep in my veins. I have the level of empathy that makes me sick to my stomach when I hear people talk about a getting a cut or breaking a bone. I will honestly have throbbing, sympathy pains and I am not exaggerating that a bit! When I hear of something awful that has happened to someone, it is so hard for me to move on past my heartache for them. I know there are many other “feelers” out there that know exactly what I’m describing. I am glad I have strong empathy. Being empathetic has shaped who I am. There were stages of my life when I…
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Happy Heartache
Our niece turned 15 today. She is the oldest niece (and only) on my husband’s side of the family. It feels like she went from a sparkly eyed, little four year old to a beautiful 15 year old (who outgrew me years ago) in mere days! How does this happen so quick? How do the days – that can seem so very long – turn into years so quickly? I remember a time, before kids, when I never could have understood that a birthday really means more to the parents than it ever does to the kid! But as soon as you have your own, you get it. Every birthday…
