Noticing {Day 6}

Before-school imaginative play. They are SO dramatic sometimes in their plots...

Always thankful for running. Drop the girls off at school on Monday and Wednesdays, then head close by to my parents' for a run and shower. Perfection.

Also, my mom's porch (and whole house, but I think this is my favorite) decorations:

 

Riley and the chickens are at peace with each other. Before this, they were all eating out of the feeder (which was funny, but makes Riley puke, so...)

The coziest evening. Jeff had to stay late at work, so the girls and I snuggled up for "vintage" Christmas specials.

 The second the sippy cup hits her lips (if she's tired), her finger automatically starts twirling. Cutest thing, until we have to brush out the knots.

 Our beautiful redhead:

 And to end the night -- aside from decorating the house, I'm pretty much in full Christmas mode. I feel happy and cozy.

Noticing {Day 5}

We made use of old bananas today. A comforting favorite (and things that make me happy in the background -- vintage breadbox, Pyrex bowl, cookie jar, and salt thingy. Also the wine with the rooster label):

Lots of sister play while Daddy was at his appointments. I am so thankful for their friendship:

We met Daddy for lunch, which is always fun and special on a weekday.

This sweatshirt is killing me. I just want her to wear it so I can watch her walk around in it. She loves it, so that works out.

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Kind of a bummer bedtime tonight. Kaitlyn got cranky, and I got frustrated, dangit. Frustrated bedtimes are the worst, because even if you apologize, you still go to bed with that icky feeling because that's how the day ended (a great day, at that).

Sometimes patience comes so easily to me, and other times that frustration is just sitting at the surface, ready to boil over and I have to constantly work at keeping it in. Ugh. :(

Noticing {Day 4}

Long day. Out the door at 7:00 for a subbing job, then straight to tutoring. Home after 7 p.m. I'm pooped.

That being said, I enjoyed a "grown up" day today, even if it was work. Jeff got quality time with the girls when he got home, and all is right in the world.

Today I had my morning commute coffee in my Christmas mug, and I listened to Bing Crosby's Pandora station both ways in the car. All is right in the world.

Austen is having a My Little Pony Christmas. This gift couldn't wait (ahem...Mama couldn't wait) -- she needs to get use out of it, right? It's so ridiculous, it's adorable. And she was predictably thrilled with the surprise. All is right in the world.

Kaitlyn: "You should probably take a picture with me."

Great day, and looking forward to tomorrow. Jeff has appointments and gets to spend time with us in between. It's cold and we plan to do something cozy.

Noticing {Day 3}

Austen and Daddy in bed this morning, playing Tic-Tac-Toe on his phone. Austen's excited shrieks, giggles, and "I WINNED!" every few minutes.

Spying on K drawing and singing her version of Santa Claus Is Coming to Town. No doubt, she's my kid. (Who knows if this video will work...may need to figure it out later. Any tips on posting videos? Anyone?)
ETA: Figured something out for now - if the thumbnail isn't working, click on the link below for YouTube :)

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Kaitlyn's drawing: "Me, and Daddy kissing Mama." Seriously?! I love her so much.

Noticing {Day 2}

A blustery morning 14 miler on the Burke Gilman. Thankful to officially be on the upswing after being sick for about three weeks. A long run was just what I needed:

Snuggles: One of the only cures for major grumpies:

I have had this lamp/end table from my grandparents' house for a few years, and today finally put a light bulb in it (typical).

Next step: organize this space better. On this stormy day, though, I was so happy for the coziness of this light next to the computer desk:

The girls played together for about two hours today with no bickering. I got to get some things done with their imaginative play as my background noise.

Kaitlyn is the patient (she's inside the cover for a camping chair) and doctor Austen is giving her a check up (in a witch costume, tiara, and princess heels):

Quiet, rainy day activities:

 Walked in to this scene:

Goodnight!

Collage Extravaganza Part Two (but it ain't over)

In amongst my "noticing" posts will be endless pictures collages. Can't.skip.anything.

Having fun yet? Stay tuned for more...

30 Days of Noticing

I have been in a rut again. A couple of days ago, I decided that enough was enough, and I need a plan to dig myself out. I assessed the situation, and realized that I had somehow lost sight of the "small stuff." You know, those small moments, sometimes fleeting, that just make you smile and get you through the not-so-great moments until the next one comes along. I was grumpy, snippy, and just plain not fun to be around. Part of that may have been the three week long cold I was dealing with, but I needed a plan none-the-less.

I have my faults, but I believe that one of my strengths is (usually) being able to recognize that something isn't going well, step back, and try to figure out how to make it better. I needed to think about what was contributing to my lack of "enjoying" lately (besides being in a persistent head cold fog).

I have not been back to posting pictures on Instagram. I had an epiphany about that: Lots of folks (including the former me) see the posting as "taking away" from the real moments. I get that. However, I have realized that more than that, posting pictures throughout the day actually helped me to notice small moments that I may have otherwise overlooked. Where I previously thought a bit negatively of my "Oh, this would be a great instagram picture!" thoughts, I am now seeing those as "Oh, what a great moment to capture!" This was usually followed by a caption, briefly describing the moment, thus appreciating it even more. I'm not attributing all of this rut to this, but I think I've got something here.

I know that theory probably seems ridiculous to some, but it makes all the sense in the world to me. Social media was encouraging me to see happiness and joy in otherwise ordinary moments. Which is funny, seeing how I blamed it for not enjoying what was in front of me when I "quit." It has its good and bad. ;)

Sooo...I decided that as part of my "get out of your rut already and smile" project, I will be posting those small moments here, on this blog, for 30 days. The idea is that it will get me back in the habit of noticing. What I'm thankful for, what makes me happy, and how incredibly lucky I am.

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Today:

The girls sorting their Smarties in their jammies. Brings me right back to childhood, and listening to their conversation was priceless. They were trading colors and just plain having one of those picture perfect sister moments.

I'm still high from yesterday, so one for today will suffice!