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.”

Joe took them all around town on Friday.

Story time

at the library

Then Paul’s school

Afterwards the Japanese Garden

to feed Koi fish.

I am willing to wager the new (free) coffee grinder and roasting (with an old popcorn machine) he has taken up again is giving him the added “kick” to his day.

at Paul’s school on Friday
(Paul is holding his teacher’s hand-he loves her)

as a fundraiser

so Joe went to show some love

and cheer our little jogger on.

Henry even had a chance to run a lap with his big brother.

By the end of it all, his card indicated he ran eleven laps

and his cheeks were all the proof I needed.

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.

drinking whole milk

typing

crafting (entirely his own design and creation)

napping (even when no one else does)

saying momma and pleading for attention

fine motor skills

pointing