so far

These are some of the things I want to remember about a month that is flying by.
*This little lady, turning six.


*Turning thirty five.
 It some ways it doesn't seem possible. I've gone through some hard things in my thirties but I have also had a growing sense of freedom and confidence in who I am as a daughter of Christ, and my worth as his creation.
 "The truth is, part of me is every age. I’m a three-year-old, I’m a five-year-old, I’m a thirty-seven-year-old, I’m a fifty-year-old.  I’ve been through all of them, and I know what it’s like. I delight in being a child when it’s appropriate to be a child. I delight in being a wise old man when it’s appropriate to be a wise old man. Think of all I can be! I am every age, up to my own." 
— Mitch Albom

 A friend shared this quote and I can identify with it. It speaks of one of the gifts that comes with getting older. My kids help make it easy to be the girl child, to find joy and wonder in simple things, although I never really lost that quality. But my ever increasing well of experiences  helps me to be able to understand people and be compassionate. I'm looking forward to what this year will hold. Josh took the day off and we trekked around the mountain we met on. We sat on a bluff and talked forever. It was the best gift.

*Birthday card which I loved.

* Homeschooling!
 We are getting into more of a groove with homeschooling, I think. Some days it flows naturally and is inspiring and I am excited to see the connections they're making.

...and other days it looks like this.

 On this day we left valentines until the last minute, and a certain someone was making his disdain for math and grammar known, and yes, that may be a crazy toddler being chased around the table.  Some days it's chaotic and my soul craves quiet. I knew there would be hard days too, but I am learning with them and we are praying through the difficulties. Just when I feel almost depleted I am reminded how blessed I am to be doing what I am doing.

A few more favorite things... 

*the feel of my boys' warmth on me and the moments of still and calm it brings.
* my boys laughing in the tub last night when Juden said, "Harper is the joy of my heart."  Amazed by brother bonds.
* A weekend bike ride with the whole family.
* Harper's first snow, brief and beautiful, snow covered Quince.