Thoughts on Christmas Break

Just like everything else in this season of our lives, Christmas break looked different.  It's what I'm learning lately; things can look different and still be good.  Will I spend that time mourning how it's different or will I embrace it and diligently seek out the moments and opportunities for connection?

Connection has been a huge theme for me.  When the Blossoms were little, connection came about by reading books aloud even though I was exhausted or carrying on a conversation about rabbits when I didn't feel like talking about rabbits.  I wonder if many parents at this stage of the game are just too tired to keep trying to connect.  It's much easier to focus in on my own interests, interests that have take second, third, fourth, or twentieth place for the last twenty-ish years of my life.  

I thought connection was important back then.  I zeroed in day and after day out of a desire to lovingly raise our children in a Godly way.  The mission!  And now, as they are launching into adulthood or inching closer and closer every day, connection is crucial.

Some days I struggle to remember what they said to me.  My brain is processing so many different things at once, it seems and it takes a little discipline on myself to stop and look them in the eyes.  Some days, I'm sleep deprived and I bite my tongue.  Some days, I'm weary because going against the flow is not easy.  Some days, their sass is strong.  Some days, I'm discouraged.  

The same grace that covered me and enabled me to soldier on each day that the Blossoms were little is right here, right now for me in this season.  

To connect.  

To love.  

To support.  

To train.  

To exhort.  

To ask the questions.

To rebuke.  

To engage.  

To be with.

To parent.

Lord, today help me lean hard on Your grace.  

Help me notice the opportunities for connection and seize them.  

Whatever I do today, I do all for Your glory.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Dominique

A Little Cabin Trip

I'm tempted to always say no. I often see the burden of increased work load that a request brings on and I'm the gatekeeper for simplicity and managable time demands.

Good intentions...

but there's a time to say "yes."  

The younger Blossoms asked for one more "quick overnight to the cabin."

I blocked it out and even though I could think of twenty more things I could and probably should accomplish at home, we packed and journeyed to our "happy place."

Full stop.

Hard reset.

Twenty-four hours of mountain simplicity and connection

to reorient and realign.

Splashing through the creek in rubber boots,

Snapping pictures to watercolor later,

Tramping up and down leaf-strewn banks to see, to explore, to observe,

Waving on a friend's trail cam,

Perching on old stumps, giggling and making faces,

Standing on the creek bed and listening,

really listening,

Admiring the last vestiges of splendor in the underbrush of this beloved eastern wild area,

Snuggling down in favorite chairs with books and tea and snacks on a porch that is a porch,

Painting pumpkins and laughing at a mustard yellow table 

that holds as many wholesome memories as our own home kitchen table,

Crafting home-cooked breakfast together,

Savoring October rain, 

pitter-patters, 

heavy droves,

in-between smatterings,

repetitious sounds on a mismatched shingled roof

that lulls better than any sound machine.

We climb back in the van, mentally checking off the packing up clean up list, 

and without hesitation, they say, "Thanks for bringing us, Mom."

Dominique

These Lessons Lately

Lately I've been thinking about gratitude, how I want to swim around and soak in gratitude.  

How those answers to my heartfelt prayers mean so much, yet the busyness of life tempt me to gloss over them and stay in the grind, always needing.

I feel free to write about the answers in my journal ~ the long version...

to tell friends what Jesus is doing, 

to sit and think about the answers on weekday evenings, mulling over the stories and marvelling over His goodness.

Lately I've been thinking that moments altogether mean so much to me.  

That times in the living room, with everyone curled up with their favorite blankets, with smiles and funny everyday life stories are what matter to me.

Lately I've been thinking that autumn splendor in the making is a poignant transition, an avenue to truly "smile at the days ahead."

Lately I've been reminded that serving at home as the often invisible support system makes a profound, felt impact.  It's meaningful and quiet and worshipful.

Lately I've been celebrating the bright spots, the joy-filled victories, the happinesses,

for the Lord is good.

Images from a recent Sunday hike on State Game Lands a town or two over.

Meet Finn

Whilst deep in the trenches of Fair prep, we definitely weren't looking for a new dog. 

 I saw an email about a family we know, who was rehoming their 2.5 year old English cream golden retriever.  Though he was a great dog, he didn't have a lot of room to run.

Here's the thing:

We love golden retrievers.  They suit our lifestyle perfectly and we have lots of room!

I didn't know if we'd be able to resist and I just couldn't get Finn out of my head.

When I proposed another dog to the Rugged Mountain Man, he asked me if I was literally insane?

But why not go meet Finn and get a feel for his personality?  

And maybe they'd be willing to let us pick him up after the Fair...

That's less insane, right?

Because a regular week with us post-Fair and then a week at the cabin on vacation is a fantastic way for a furry family member to get to know his new family!

The Younger Blossoms and I felt that Finn was quite obviously a sweetheart.  

He's been with us for three weeks now and he has fully assimilated into life in the Hollow.  He's game for whatever we have on the agenda for the day.  He LOVES to cuddle!  He also loves ice cubes, wrinkly toys, swimming in the creek, and food!

I'm thankful that sometimes the best things just find you at the right time.

PS - As you can see, we've adopted colored bandanas to help with differentiation!

Whatcha Up to Lately?

 Whatcha been up to lately?

The Fair.

Yep, gettin' ready for the Fair.  

I'm truly thankful that the Blossoms can man-handle tasks like never before!  They've done this so many times that they understand what we're working toward!  (and the saved annual to-do checklists and menus sure help too!) 

Blossom1 is done showing; she has graduated from 4-H, so it does look a bit different this year. She supervises a local park and teaches piano lessons while she prepares to start teaching 7th grade ELA this fall... and she's ENGAGED!!! 

Blossom2 is in charge of the Junior Fair Board, so there are new responsibilities there.  She works, did a custom wedding order, counselled at camp, and is running for State 4-H Council... on top of the usual animals and her baking exhibits to get ready.

Blossom3 has a job, went to camp, and is assisting with an art camp too, so that's different than previous years.  She's pulling a lot of weight in the micro farm.

Blossom4 enjoyed day camp, but ultimately, still thinks that her summer revolves around her time with Nancy Drew, so sometimes she has to be reminded to actually DO the things that she knows must be done.  The house is quiet a lot though, so I understand, because I'd like to curl up on the couch with a book too.  

Every season looks a little bit different and demands and responsibilities ebb and flow here.  We're focusing daily on communicating with each other and staying connected.  

It's beautiful 

and it's challenging 

and it's good 

and it's worth it.