i am indeed blessed and grateful.  i have recently acquired this family heirloom.  i can now partake in the splendor of rocking my boys.  i sit.  i rock. my senses awaken.  the feel of the perfectly worn wood is so divine.  the sound of the wood gently gliding across the floor is calming.  and the look... well, it's enchanting.  the various stains and scratches tell a story.  i am now part of the legacy this rocker carries.  how many before me have sat?  what has been enjoyed?  perhaps some knitting, reading, cuddling, discussion?  i look forward to creating memories and beautiful moments with my sons within the coziness of this rocker.  thank you grandma.  heirlooms rock!

what fun i am having with applesforpoppyanne.typepad.com and her "it begins with a colour" adventure.  this week's search had us focused on the combination of white and green.  this color combination shows up beautifully and bountifully.  i was grateful to already have had these calla lilies and melon at home before i even knew what the week's assignment would be.  i don't think i would've appreciated their beauty as much without the focus.  and so, be on the lookout.  seek white and green.  and receive the refreshed and renewed feeling that comes with the vision.

dreaming of days gone by.  anticipating days to come.  grateful for this world, this life.  ready for an adventure.  want to let go.  eager to breathe deep and see.  

as i waited upon the rise of our daily bread and as i sat down to savor it's goodness, my thoughts stirred...

into a new day

i rise

surrounded by possibility

i rise

given an opportunity

i rise

grateful for grace

i rise

though i may stumble

i rise

may you rise with a fresh perspective and celebrate each new day.  be blessed.

this week's applesforpoppyanne.typepad.com quest... yellow.  i found this charming fire hydrant and water department access just steps away from my home.  until the search for yellow began, i had no idea they existed.  it's so strange how, with a focus, you can see something you have never seen before.  quite a significant lesson to be learned.  this creative challenge has now turned into a much deeper challenge indeed.  

encouraged by applesforpoppyanne.typepad.com, i took the challenge to "see beauty in the small things."  this week, "to find bits of turquoise in your life."  what fun it was to explore about our home, seeking turquoise beauty.  i am grateful for the inspiration.  i found gorgeous peacock feathers attached to a lovely christmas ornament that has yet to be put away and a vintage ring from my mama.  delightful indeed.  now go forth and explore.  find bits of turquoise beauty in your life.

this mother's day weekend, i enjoyed and was grateful for basking in the glory of mamahood. soccer practice.  a walk through the nature center.  a champagne luncheon.  sleep.  breakfast in bed. church. family.  a slightly crisp overcast morning. another delightful luncheon.  the warmth of the afternoon sun.  playing with the family dogs.  races on a new big boy bike. dinner in bed.  kisses and cuddles.  laughter and love. oh how i love being a mama.

so today was just one of those days.  you know those days, when everything just seems to be a bit chaotic and crazy.  and it gets to the point of being funny when you try to go to the restroom and can't even get your pants down because a knot has made it's way into your drawstring pants... just because it's one of those days!  yeah.  one of those days.  but as my husband says "the sweet would not be as sweet without the bitter."  so cheers to you babe!  here's my bitter and sweet. and mmmmmmmmm how delicious.  

how amazing to watch sweet ezra grow and develop daily.  this was my view today as i wore ezra.  it is so captivating.  i can't get enough.  sweet looks.  sweet sounds.  sweet smiles.  what a blessing and honor it is to be a mama.  my heart was full today as i watched my son gaze into my eyes with a gorgeous smile and a gentle giggle.  today, and always, i am grateful to be a mama.

"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" -John 15:2

today, isaak joyfully played under our apple tree.  scot had pruned some branches and they were still available and quite enticing.  as isaak drew my attention toward the tree, i became excited to see beautiful apple blossoms abloom.  with a pile of sticks on the ground and gorgeous blooms above, i thought of this verse.  today, i am grateful for the ability to be pruned and bear fruit.

"we act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about."        -einstein.  i came across this quote this morning and thought it summed up our week.  what are you enthusiastic about?  we have been observing a very enthusiastic clownfish enjoying an anemone in our reef tank.

what a wonder water, dirt and sticks are.  and how captivating. we enjoyed this beautiful day in the sun playing in the mud. delightful indeed. today, i am grateful for the gift of exploration. and so... go forth and find something fascinating to discover.  and don't be hesitant to get a little messy!