For precious moments

I am grateful for the bravery of my eldest. Last night, she listened to her inner voice, and stood forth to announce to a crowd of people at a memorial for our dear friend, "I have something to say." She paused, breathed deeply and announced, "Roger... he was my friend."

I am grateful for the kisses and hugs my little ones share throughout the day.

I am grateful how my youngest already loves to look through books. She loves the look and the feel of them.

I am grateful for a day on the farm where lunch was enjoyed on the porch, a metal tub turned into rapids and a pond, where chicken eggs were gathered, and a horse and donkey were fed. Where a child who misses her friend who died, found comfort running barefoot through the grass and creating stories with George.

I am grateful for a discussion with a friend, about why we are no longer lambasting ourselves for not being good enough, because we realize that we are worth more.

I am grateful, for a moment today, where my eldest discovered her new books for schooling. She found the one titled Paul Bunyan, picked it up, and announced, "I'm going to find out if it's different than the movie." She's currently reading it on her own.

The little things

Today, I am grateful that the kids found ways to have fun while Mommy exercised. Apparently, bridge pose on a chair, while moving up and down, makes for a great game for the kids to see who can make it under before you "squash" them.

My youngest asking for an apple slice... "oppet?" which reminds me.... I need to find where she put that and the grape...

My eldest, who had had enough of Squeak's constant following and wanting to be centimeters away and play with everything she played with, finally declared she needed alone time, and went to her room. Squeak followed, and cried and knocked on the door. Pook opens the door, and getting down to Squeak's level, tells her, I'm sorry, but I need some alone time. I need to think about what it means to be a big sister."

So today, I am holding them close and feeling how big they are. I am smothering them with kisses when I get close enough. I am taking in their scent, and feeling the softness of their skins, and looking into their eyes. Because I know, that this moment will not last forever. Each day they grow and they change. Each day is a new day...