For those of you that missed my posts back around Halloween, my oldest daughter went as Moana and I went as Tafiti (the volcano to which Moana restores the heart). I had posted how fitting it was because my rainbow baby (my oldest) fills my heart with such love. 

Now fast forward to the tough phase we have been going through the last many weeks. It has been challenging but through it all I have done my best to let her know I love her no matter what. 

We stayed home today. It was much needed, both because there was so much I needed to get done and because we all just needed a day without rushing to get ready and running six different places.  

We cooked the snack for my daughter to take to school tomorrow. We made cupcakes for my husband's party. I cleaned and did several loads of laundry. But most important of all was taking time to play with my girls. 

The beauty of staying home is that I have two baby nap times to juggle all that needs done instead of just one. Even with her struggling at the afternoon nap today I still managed. Afternoon nap for baby means one on one time with my oldest. 

As usual we went downstairs so we wouldn't have to be quite as quiet. We played around with a mini obstacle course and got some energy out, we colored, and we did my oldest's new favorite thing, we had a tea party! 

At the end of the night I asked her what her favorite thing was that we did today. She couldn't decide and asked me what my favorite thing was. I loved hearing her laugh as we played tickle fight and our one on one time but I had to be honest. Lying there in her bed with her snuggled up in my arms, feeling connected to her in a positive way, all I could say was, "This." I felt a little choked up. This moment, holding my first baby girl, being snuggled and knowing how fleeting this time is..."this". So much this!

I'm grateful for this. I'm grateful to be honest. I'm grateful to get to hold her and snuggle her and feel connected. I'm grateful for a smooth-er day. I'm grateful for all the time we got to spend together. I'm grateful she is a great helper. I'm grateful to have so much love for her and to get to express it. I'm grateful for a productive day in so many ways. I'm grateful to get some one on one time with the baby too. I'm grateful for her sweet laugh and all the sounds she is making. I'm grateful to get to be home with her to witness all the mini-milestones getting us closer to those big (moving) milestones...and I'm grateful she isn't moving quite yet.

What is your "this"? What fills your heart and makes your day shine?

May our day be filled more with the "this" and less with everything else. May we take time to acknowledge and bask in our "this". Have a beautiful day!

Despite very little sleep last night I woke determined to have a great day. That determination started with taking five minutes of "me time" before even getting out of bed.

I made an extra effort to be silly and playful with my oldest. I made every effort to get the to do list done while still focusing and spending time with each child. And I felt the beauty of love all around me.

My oldest responded well to my playful attitude and for the most part responded in loving, playful ways in return. My baby began saying one of the most beautiful sounds, "mamamamama." I got to hear laughter, both my own and my girls'. I got to share a great day.

I'm grateful for a new dawn to pick myself up and move forward. I'm grateful to have a beautiful day. I'm grateful to hear the house fill with laughter. I'm grateful to play and let my own spirit be rejuvenated in that play. I'm grateful to hear the beautiful sound of "mama" in my daughter's babbles. I'm grateful to watch my girls growing each day. I'm grateful to have had a more mellow temperament day with my oldest and to find every opportunity to reconnect. I'm grateful for a fresh start.

What rejuvenates you? How do you wake with the intent to create a new dawn? 

May today have our determination in the best of ways. May we move through the day with love. Have a beautiful day!

I just love the sound of laughter. I mean, I don't know anyone who would say they didn't. When that laughter is coming from my girls while they play with each other it is a whole different level of joy for me. My "cup" fills right up!

This morning we got to take things slow. We did our own form of story time that I have done with my oldest since she was a baby. We sang songs and read books. I encouraged my oldest to "teach" her little sister some songs she loves. Head and Shoulders was a must, with the second verse I made up when my oldest was a baby. 

It was a fun day! It wasn't movie "perfect". There were moments of not listening or baby wailing because sister wasn't being kind. But it was OUR perfect, that messy, sometimes annoying, whoops what time is it kind of perfect where we just get to have a regular day together.

I'm grateful for another day to get ready slow. I'm grateful, so grateful, for a day to play with my girls and be present. I'm grateful for a day to be silly. I'm grateful to listen to the giggles as they played together. I'm grateful for my cup overflowing at such a beautiful sound. I'm grateful to give my oldest some one on one time today while the baby took a nap. I'm grateful to stay connected to her even as we navigate a challenging stage of testing boundaries and expressing (loudly) her independence. I'm grateful to even get a few moments alone with the baby to just watch her sweet face and see her smile.

What fills your cup? What sound makes you joyful? 

May today be filled with joyful sounds. May the day be blessed with moments that fill your cup. May we all be present in the moment to witness these blessings. Have a beautiful day!

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, or Happy Hearts Day as my daughter calls it. It is a day of love and giving. Rather than go on about what I will be doing for the holiday; I'd rather give a "gift" to you. 

I would like to give you a gratitude challenge. When you wake up tomorrow morning, before you get out of bed, pause and ask yourself this question. Who am I grateful for? It could be someone there with you or perhaps someone from your past. Who made a big impact on your life? Maybe there are several people. If they're around, tell them your grateful for them. It is the best gift you can give.

Then as you start out your morning, take a glance in the mirror. What is one thing you are grateful for about yourself? There is only one you and that means the world would be missing something without you here. What are some of the beautiful things that make you special?

Perhaps as you are showering or preparing breakfast you might pause and notice all these little things that get taken for granted each day. What tool or appliance (or vehicle) makes your day go so much smoother? 

I challenge you to continue to ask yourself these kinds of questions throughout the entire day. What makes your heart happy? What are you grateful for? 

I'm grateful for a place to share my gratitude with you. I'm grateful for each of you who read this blog. I'm grateful for the ways you make this a better place. I'm grateful for my husband who is my rock. I'm grateful for my parents and family that support me in all that I do. I'm grateful for my daughters who help me grow and learn each day. I'm grateful for a day of sharing love. I'm grateful for a day to make my heart happy with gratitude. I'm grateful to offer you this gift.

May today fill our hearts not only with happiness but with gratitude and love. May we share the love we have with ourselves and those around us. Have a beautiful day!

As Valentine's Day approaches I find it interesting to ask people if they have any "special" plans. Many people respond that they are going out for dinner with someone significant to them. One mom told me she cooks a ice dinner for her and her children. One dad told me with several young children they don't make plans but simply hopes to have a beer at some point of the weekend. 

Special is in the eye of the beholder. Leftovers for dinner can be made into a "special" meal by placing a candle on the table. A fast food restaurant may be a special treat to someone who doesn't eat out much or to a child in particular. Special plans most often are more about who we spend them with that what is really done, at least in my experience.

I have done several "special" activities with my older daughter as the holiday approaches. I hid little white (her favorite color) hearts around the house for her to "hunt". Then once she found them all I surprised her that there was a hidden message on each one that we had to decode. We made valentines for people we care about and a countdown paper chain to lead us up to the special day. 

Yet when I asked her what special things we have done lately she tells me about me reading an extra book at her nap time or when I taught her the basics of how to play dominoes. She told me I gave her a special lunch which was in my eyes "just" broccoli cheddar soup leftovers. It doesn't take a whole lot to be special to her as long as someone she loves is taking that time with her. 

I feel this to my core. My love language is quality time and so I often seek activities over material things for special moments too. But listening to different people's perspectives reminds me to keep my "child" eyes, or maybe child heart is a more accurate description.

I'm grateful to have such wonderful people in my life. I'm grateful to cherish every moment I get to spend with them. I'm grateful for all the special moments in my life every day. And I'm grateful for a holiday of love to co-create more special moments. I'm grateful for fun little crafts and equally grateful to see that my daughter is just as happy to read a book with me. I'm grateful to get to talk to so many people and see all the different ideas out there on what a special day means.

What makes something special to you? How will you spend a special day? Who will you choose to share it?

May today be special in a dozen ways. May we recognize all the moments and all the people that make our lives special. Have a beautiful day!

The best kind of flow is one that I'm swept into without effort. When I struggle to get in the flow it never feels as smooth and satisfying as when it happens spontaneously. 

Today was the usual hectic Monday. We cruised through the morning on schedule and enjoying the usual events. But when we returned home was when I felt really in the flow.

We shared some laughter at lunch over my little one's first try of carrot baby food. We shared some laughter over my preschooler's thought processes and dialog. 

The best part was once we finished lunch and I got the girls upstairs for their post swim lessons bath time. Silliness continued as it always seems to with a preschooler but the best part was watching my girls interact. The baby is just getting to the age to engage with her big sister and her big sister was eating it up. 

I stayed with them in that moment passed nap time because it was just so beautiful to watch. The mutual adoration filled my heart. Watching the older pour water into the younger's cup then helping her to pour it back in her own cup had them both delighted. Beautiful simplicity. There was no way I was rushing this beautiful moment with my mind's schedule.

I'm so grateful to just sit back and let the best kind of flow surround us. I'm grateful to get to witness the bonding and love. I'm grateful to get to see the adoration on the baby's face as she took in every move her big sister made. I'm grateful to see the gentleness of my preschooler as she helped her little sister learn. I'm grateful to be filled with joy and gratitude at this beautiful moment. I'm grateful to focus on what's important.

When do you find yourself in the best kind of flow? What beautiful moments have you cherished lately?

May we let go of the schedule and be in the moments that mean the most. May we find joy and love in our daily interactions. Have a beautiful day!

Mother Nature seemed to recognize we needed a little reprieve from Winter here in the heartland. The last three days have been gorgeous with sunshine and warmer temperatures.

My husband took the day off work today to see the girls do their swim lessons and to enjoy a day of rest after his birthday celebration. 

It was a beautiful day! We went to the playground after swim lessons and got to enjoy some fresh air. Playing and getting some much needed energy out was important. Soaking up the sunshine felt great. It was fun seeing everyone walking around in their Chiefs gear. 

I'm grateful for a low key day to follow up the late night of celebration. I'm grateful to get some sunshine. I'm grateful to watch my girls get to play with their dad at the playground. I'm grateful he got to see their swim lessons. I'm grateful for a nice lunch of delicious leftovers. I'm grateful to get to rest a little bit before work. And I'm grateful for a day with family before the week's hectic schedule kicks off. 

What simple pleasures did you find today? What inspires your gratitude?

May today be the rejuvenation we needed before the next wave of cold and snow. May we find comfort in knowing Spring is just around the corner. Have a beautiful day!

I get a thrill, a burst of energy from doing creative, crafty things. Having a preschooler means there is ample opportunity to use this skill. 

Today I was feeling a little exhausted after not sleeping the best last night. I was cleaning the house while the girls napped and thinking to myself that maybe I should nap as well. The catch, I felt, was that we have a playdate here tomorrow and I needed to get some things ready. 

Playdates are tricky because of the age ranges of the kiddos. My preschooler got many "choking hazard" toys for Christmas and while her baby sister has not learned to crawl yet her friends' siblings are getting around well. So after picking up the small toys I built a bear cave with some blankets. 

My daughter had already requested it be a pajama playdate. I sent a note to the moms a couple days ago with her request and offering breakfast. A bear cave seems the perfect cold weather pretend play option.

Then I got to thinking about last summer and the fun my daughter and I had talking about the different types of habitats. When we talked about snowy habitats we used shaving cream and glue to make "snow" paintings and then glued on some snowy habitat animals. She loved it! Again, such a easy and simple activity I just couldn't resist!

I found a couple more fun little options so kids could wander and do their own things. Even just this little creative planning gave me a burst of energy! I just love doing things like this and I think the kids will enjoy it tomorrow too. A few good books set out by the cave and we're all set for a fun day.

I'm grateful for these simple pleasures. I'm grateful my daughter loves my creative ideas as much as I love coming up with them. I'm grateful for her excitement at seeing her bear cave. I'm grateful to not mind a little mess if it means big fun. I'm grateful to love art and all it allows me to express. I'm grateful to give my daughter and our guests this same opportunity. 

What gets your energy charged? What do you LOVE doing?

May today ignite our passions. May we take the time to do things that make us happy and energized. Have a beautiful day!

I find myself in a balancing act of hold and release. This week we've been filling out forms for my older daughter's next year of preschool. We have been encouraging her to be independent with getting dressed, brushing her hair, pouring her cereal, and clearing the table. 

At the same time we are working with the baby to help her fall asleep without being held. This was a skill she used to do fine until sickness and travel got her off schedule and out of her comfort zone. She has also started her first foods over the last week or so. 

Even as I encourage my girls to be more independent I find myself pulling them back in other ways. The better the baby does with independently falling to sleep, the more I indulge my older who likes to be cuddled before going to sleep herself. 

As I watch my girls growing much faster than I prefer I am both proud and a little weary. I'm loving this stage for each of them and all they can do now. But I am equally loving how snuggly each girl still is for their mama.

I'm grateful for snuggles from my girls. I'm grateful to watch them growing to be strong and healthy, independent gals. I'm grateful for my oldest's personality that allows her to be fiercely independent and still a snuggle bug. I'm grateful for my baby's ability to put herself to sleep and equally grateful she enjoys being "worn" around, snug to my chest. I'm grateful to see the benefit and beauty in this balance. I'm grateful to try to stay in the moment as the days fly by. I'm grateful for the privilege of being their mom.

What balance do you see in your life? What areas are you holding on to and which areas are being released?

May today help keep balance. May we see the beauty in the push and pull, the ups and downs, and the hold as well as the release. Have a beautiful day!

On my way home from work tonight I decided I needed to do a gratitude challenge tonight. It is a good way for me to overload myself with the beauty of my life. In overloading myself with the positive it leaves little room to focus on what may not be going as perfectly.

I have seen how the shadows help me to appreciate the sunshine. And I have a respect and appreciation for the shadows in and of themselves. Tonight I needed to bathe in some self-made light.

When I arrived home my eldest daughter asked me to read her a book. I said yes. She asked me to read her another and I said yes. She asked me to lay with her in her bed for a few minutes and so I did. 

I watched my youngest daughter as she nursed before bed. I watched as her eyes explored every thread of my shirt and her fingers traced it gently. I smiled at the intensity of her eyes and the cute way her tongue sticks out of her mouth as she explores everything. 

I listened to my husband chat with our oldest daughter, patiently. He is such a great dad. I thought about how he had texted me throughout the day because he knew I had a rough morning. He is such a great husband and person. And I'm excited to nerd it up as we plan his birthday party. 

I'm grateful for all these beautiful moments and so much more. I'm grateful how just being present can make the abundance of gratitude flow. I'm grateful to satisfy with challenge without it being a challenge at all. I'm grateful for my girls' blue eyes. I'm grateful for my oldest's precocious nature and love of reading. I'm grateful for all the questions she thinks to ask and the insight into the inner workings of her mind. I'm grateful to get to see the world new and fresh again through my baby's eyes. I'm grateful for the beautiful bonding time we get during feedings. I'm grateful to just hold her and be in this fleeting moment of her being so small. I'm grateful for my husband for a million reasons but mostly for his huge heart. I'm grateful for his protective and supportive nature. And I'm grateful for his inner nerd. I'm grateful for this life. I'm grateful for the shadows and I'm grateful to know I have only to look as far as the current moment to find the light.

What are you grateful for? Can you find ten gratitudes in five minutes or less? What brings you light?

​May today be lived in the moment. May we seek to find the beauty that is always right in front of us. May we tell the ones we love how much they mean to us. Have a beautiful day!