Life In Picture Form

 I take photos to remember. 

Celebrating Thirty -Nine Years

  This year I had no desire to 'celebrate' my birthday. I had multiple reasons that were valid and good. However, I did not need to celebrate myself as my children decided they would do it for me. Each of my three older children gifted me things that were very true to who I am. They were thoughtful, kind and unique. I felt a deep sense of accomplishment in teaching them these skills. My oldest daughter planned a beautiful tea party for me. It was so lovely and so life giving. Other special moments took place and I am deeply grateful for what is here in my hands and my heart. 

My Last Year in My Thirties

  I just turned thirty-nine yesterday. When I was twenty-nine I had a lot of bitter cups. I imagined my soul as having a lot of windows in it and on the sills were these mason jars filled with bitterness. They could have been filled with peace and joy and beauty but they were not. On my thirtieth birthday I had this birthday celebration that I called 'the burning' and I symbolically emptied out my bitter cups and burned up the bitterness. I started my thirties in freedom. It was powerful and in some respects I issued a challenge to myself. I had no idea what was going to come in my thirties. I had hope they would be easier than my twenties. Have the thirties been easier? No. Life for a person of my ilk can not defined as easy. Every little thing is felt so deeply and settles in. Every little thing matters. So the thirties have been hard too. I have aged so much, I have experienced trauma and grief. I have not been as strong or as brave as I hoped I would be able to be. I have often just been in a heap inside myself trying to gather enough strength to rise. Sigh. 

With that being said. I am determined to not NEED a 'burning' for my fortieth. No bitter cups for me! I just can't do that. And that is what I have been thinking about lately. 

Our March

Someone turned forty this year and it was my sister who made this birthday special. I was just too exhausted to do anything that felt like enough. So she baked three pies and brought the most epic gift, and as you can see his eyes are bright with joy and a happy time was had by all.

My thoughtful child who loves acts of service and quality time created this moment for me.

                          Her hero is daddy who helps her do whatever she sweetly asks.

She is getting more and more sassy as she hits age two but she is also the epitome of sweet. It is the best combo.

                                              Spring Violets. I rejoice in their coming.

                                                                          Oh hello :)

                                             Beautiful happy moments in our neighborhood.

                                        He look so grown up and yet so little here. 

                                He hates getting pictures taken but he smiled for this one.

                                                 Creativity during spring break.

                                             Wearing green in honor of Saint Patrick.

                                          Being ten is sort of the best age in my opinion

                                                          Signs of Spring! The best!

                                                     Salty wind and wide open water

                                                                                 Selah

                                              Created by my little six year old sweet heart

                                                                            Wild Man