We went exactly one year ago (https://familynotebook.org/2013/03/17/goat-hill-junction/)This time Olivine could ride the train.We got there early enough, that we rode it twice.

When I picked Paul up today, he was intently hunting for a leprechaun with two friends. Looks like I found one in my living room.
Happy St. Patty’s Day!

is what Henry calls their sleeping bags.The boys “camped out” every night last week. Each night they were giddy to go to sleep. Whatever works, right?

Although I was teaching, a couple Saturdays back, Joe took the little ones to see snow at the park.They got out their matching jacketsand rode a sled and touched a snowmanThis is as close as it gets these days, between being sick and super busy.I swear that at some point we will make it to the mountains. For now, especially at their ages, this was plenty of fun (plus it was local and free).

I took Olive to the doctor’s on Tuesday. I called in sick and felt no guilt about my lack of sub plans.Paul went to urgent care last Saturday.A little medicine for an ear infection and cream for baby. Healthy and happy now (relief) because it worries us when there is frequent crying or climbing into our bed in the middle of the night.
Luckily these three are not phased by the waiting or the germs, as long as gloves are part of the deal.

Sometimes they huddle together and doodle up a storm. Each at their own stage of writing.Or the reading of magazines (they love hidden pictures).Olivine will read to her babies lined up in the crib.Paul’s latest craze is playing ninjaand this one is a momma who carries her baby inside her shirt.
Every night is slightly different but there is a continuing theme of make believe mixed with learning that I love about the current age of my kids.

the first gift received from a student in my college class. Handmade slippers.the stack of books on my night stand.the power naps that Joe sneaks in, as he hides on the bottom bunk.
the vintage dresses I snagged for my babythat fit perfect and make her look like a doll.These simple pleasures bring me joy and peace.

Joe and I have traded messages on car windows and in lunch boxes. My heart flutters when I walk out of the house, sad to leave little ones so early, and see a sweet love note on my window.
I am learning how to take life’s  “lemons” (like the flat tire we had on Monday) and make “lemonade” (Joe didn’t go to class and I focused on being grateful for an extra night of eating dinner together as a family).

Imagine our surprise when we went to go pick the car up with a new tire and saw this:Seriously- it was Free?!
I am inspired by a recent conference I went to and trying to teach more art (different than crafts- which I am good at)And so we started with the color wheel. It was so a lot of fun.We listened to music. I did not model but I walked around and supported. I am   still learning how to let the students explore and trust that they can do it (and I don’t have to be afraid of the mess because we can always clean it up later)
It was perfect for a rainy Friday afternoon in class.

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.

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.