Learning a new bag of tricks

There are things with which I am not especially familiar. Or enthusiastically comfortable with. Or entirely good at. For example:

~Fully dressing myself at the start of the day. You know, like something other than pj-pants, a hoodie and slippers. I can handle the task quite well when I have a five or six hour delay. It gives me time to build the outfit layers slowly in my mind. At 7AM, I need Geranimals.

~ Readying myself already an issue, doing so while readying the four school kids and the one lazy sleeper, who is not always such a sunrise of happiness, is a completely new art form. (So thankful it is not an every day experience.)

~ Thinking about supper before the 3 o'clock hour---never, ever been good at this one. But when leaving the home for the day is part of the plan, it becomes necessary.

~ Dropping off one of the loves of my life into another's care. Not easy for either one of us. We're learning. And we are exponentially grateful that it is into the care of a trusted and loving person. It doesn't make the parting any sweeter, but much less painful. And let's be honest, it isn't every day, all day. That would kill me.

~ Making time at home for my own 'work' preparations. Seriously? I have to forgo "Castle" some nights to prepare for my 'other' work the next day?

Yes, life has brought changes to my version of normality. At least normality of the last eleven years. And trust me when I say, I use the term 'normality' loosely. It has felt closer to 4 years of normality and seven or so of insanity. But it's been the best way, I know of, to lose my mind. But as I learn these new traits and attempt to follow God's direction in my life, I am at peace with all of my inabilities.

After all, the skills I have were at one time unfamiliar and uncomfortable. I am trusting that the skills that I lack can be learned as well. Although, you know what they say about old dogs and new tricks.

HaPpY bIrThDaY bAbY!

Happy birthday to the one I love.

What I am thankful for today

Over the past six years, you have heard me use endless adjectives in an attempt to describe all that encompasses a short, 45 pound, dimple-cheeked, strawberry-blond boy. All words that intend to give you a small taste of the sweetness that is Andrew.

And here we are, the day of his sixth birthday, and I am feeling a tiny bit speechless. But I'll get over it...just long enough to share some thoughts.

We moved to our current home when I was 6+ months pregnant with Andrew. This is the only home he has ever known. When I think of it in those terms, it makes time seem to have stood still---and been in hyper-drive, all in the same breath.

There is not a day that passes that Andrew does not find a way into the deepest place of my heart. Whether it be from simply a glimpse at his cherub like features or from an unexpected peck on my cheek and "I love you mom" given at a time when only God could have known I most needed it, he works his way into the heart of a person.

He has such a unique way of relating to what many would see as the un-relatable (at least from the perspective of a child). Some of his biggest fans are found far outside the walls of our home. He holds a very special place in his heart for the elderly and forgotten. Showing deep love through un-restrained hugs and lap time for those who may have almost forgotten the joy that a child's affection can bring.

I love this boy. But that is not surprising. Of course, I am his mother. But of all my children, I am certain that Andrew...above all others has the characteristics that would endear him to a troll. I have always said that with his face AND his personality "that kid should be selling something". And although I have always thought that his charm could bring a profit to someones pocket, I am most proud that his charm and love bring a profit to many a heart.

Happy 6th Birthday to the boy who makes my heart happy.

I love you!