A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Last night I presented to my families from 4 to 6 pm but that is nothing compared to going to Paul’s Open House tonight. It is amazing to watch my child grow and thrive in a structured environment. I jump at the chance to drive him to school, let alone step inside the room where “magic” and singing happen five mornings a week.

He loves his teacher so much.

I am so grateful for this year and his chance to experience a developmentally appropriate class. I am a convert to the transitional kindergarten program that I previously rejected.

I loved that tonight the snack table had a learning piece

as they learn about surveys and tally mark, families could record their favorite topping on the bread: jelly, butter, or honey.

He read from the class made books filled with interactive writing

and shared his farmer photo from their recent field trip to the farm.

We walked across campus to see his class science fair project.

I even had a chance to pick his teacher’s brain about inventive spelling compared to word walls and accuracy. We seemed to agree that a little bit of both was great for Paul.

We love the door – The Lorax- This story has resonated with our family. When we pass tree stumps on the street Paul or I will jump on top of one and quote “I am the Lorax and I speak for the trees.” He also cracks up every time we read the part where the Lorax lifts himself up by the bottom and flies away. That is a super silly part!We didn’t get a photo of her but the other person Paul loves at school is “Reading Grandma” who is a volunteer who comes every Friday to read stories. She was a cute grandma in a sweater who surprisingly looked just as I had imagined.

P.s. We are really looking forward to Friday after our week of long days and late nights.

Paul and baby woke up just as I was sneaking out the door for work
which means they were up earlier than usual.
This is the picture Paul made with his free time this morning.

Tuesdays Joe has class so as I pull up, he rolls out on his bike.
But not before a smooch fest with baby girl.

Meanwhile I love to hear her say her newest word: Ball.

This means we are rolling and tossing tons of balls around here lately.
Practicing being gentle, taking turns, and listening to the newest voice around here.

When I start dinner the boys are in the background chatting about the imaginary stories to accompany their felt boards. More imagination practice for these two.

The house feels busy and full.

She has the stinky face, which she makes all the time.

Then there is the showing off her teeth, which reminds me of a bunny.

Combined with the squeals and babbling, I feel as if I could keep continually snap photos of her face.

I am almost afraid to look away, because she is growing so fast.

There is this sweetness in my heart for this little girl with the dark eyes and long lashes.

She cracks me up and is very easy going. I know she is here to teach me how to relax more.

Her constant observation of those around her reminds me of how Paul was as a baby.

She is content to sit and smile. Henry is still our most active baby.

Even with two splinters on her foot, she wasn’t bothered the least bit.

She complied with wearing one sock, a band-aid full of baking soda, and by bath time they were gone.

Like Joe says “one tough cookie” is what this little girl is turning out to be.

P.s. Note to Julie: one more seriously handy use for baking soda in our long list. Maybe baking soda should be renamed “wonderous, miracle soda.”

A friend made this cookie sandwich filled with marshmallows, dipped in chocolate and sprinkles.

Such a perfect surprise for the start of a long week, as I try my hardest to stay focused, without too much daydreaming of Spring Break (less than two weeks away).

Taxes have been completed electronically after the mad dash for acquiring a birth certificate for Olivine, which in turn was needed for a social security card, so that we could add her to our taxes this year. Last night the IRS rejected my submission three times before it finally went through. Is it any wonder I needed this?

A lavendar latte and cheese/berry croissant as a treat.

Our favorite free train ride

only runs every third weekend.

So we felt “lucky” to realize this morning is the third Sunday of the month.

We waved as they rode, because Olivine is still too young.

It is an awesome, volunteer run, place to visit.The second time the boys came by she got so excited she stood up all by herself for the very first time.

Today they had free lemonade which went perfect with our apples.

Her brothers were kind enough to share since I didn’t bring her one.

We enjoyed the hazy sunshine

and the ice pile left behind by someone else.

We are a train lovin’ family.

This is as festive as we get

sharing this hat

each of us turning into a leprechaun for just a moment

except Joe broke the hat

and baby refused

so she is rockin’ the necklace

It is official and I willingly confess I actually envy folks that have backyards, washer machines, or dishwashers. Not so much the fancy cars, jewelry, or designer anything one might have. I know my perspective has been shifted by three little ones because the space at the Granites House this afternoon made me want to move in.

The boys were running around

playing in a homemade tent.

Olivine had a toy picnic

and we swung in their hammock.

It was lovely.

The trade off is most folks I know with a backyard, don’t live as a close as we do to the ocean so I should just be grateful for what I have been given. Right??

This working momma is finding more comfort in a predictable routine which means for the last few weeks I have risen early on Saturday morning (without complaining because I was doing that a lot) and heading out early to get grocery shopping done. It just worked out that this morning everyone wanted to join me which I love.

However, when I came home I asked myself the same question with dread “When will the fridge get cleaned and rearranged?” I make up excuses and mostly talk myself out of more work, because I work all week. It is almost like hearing the teenage side of myself argue with the attempting to mature, momma side of my own personality. I like my kitchen, all other rooms, to be clean I just don’t necessarily enjoy being the one to do the work.

Today was different! Recently inspired by some books I have been reading and meditating more on simple living. I dove in! I tossed out old stuff, cleaned all surfaces, and organized the shelves. I found myself focused on how happy I would be by the result, not necessarily the process.

Bonus, the whole time I had the lovely company of two little boys sitting at the table coloring with their new box of crayons.

I listened to them come over one at a time to share colors and say “Ohhh, momma, you are going to love this crayon, it looks like carmel, your favorite!” or “This blue looks just like the ocean.”