::right now::

With windows open I can hear the cars rushing down the street carrying people to work and school. I also hear the morning doves begin their busy day of foraging. And, of course, Cogburn telling us that, yes, in fact, the sun is up. Everyone else is in bed. I’ll let them stay there until they are each ready to get up. No rushing for us this morning.

As I sit here this morning my mind slows down and I can focus on what the day/week holds for us – or what it *might* hold for us. And reflect on what has already passed.

…seeing Elmo hanging from a bumper on Monday caused my children to chant “Save Elmo” for about 2 miles of drive time. After assuring Esther that this wasn’t the real Elmo she even joined in.

…watching our citrus trees come alive with blooms and now baby fruit. I’m declaring this will be a good year for citrus.

…my garden, on the other hand, isn’t doing as well as I would like. I have a case of disappearing plants. And lack of time to tend to it properly. I’m declaring it will be an ok year for vegetables.

…and, What?, you ask, would cause a very dedicated gardener, even one who wrote a book on the subject, to not tend her garden properly? The Sound of Music, of course. (Phoebe is all the way to the left as 5 year old Gretl)

…drama practice, singing practice, choreography practice, costuming and now stage set up is taking up lots of time this year. But it is so worth it to see the kids shine!

…the school year winding down. We’re counting our lessons by how many we have left instead of how many we’ve done. The last day of co-op is tomorrow (it’s always bittersweet)

…trying to explain to a 3 year old (and 11, 13, 13 &16) why someone would hurt other people they don’t even know, in a way that doesn’t cause fearfulness.

…keeping our conversations limited about things that cause stress and worry for our children. Not only the Boston bombing but also dad’s office closing. We’ve entered our first week of unemployment.

…prioritizing the honey-do list. I’m going to try to fully capitalize on Carl being home for a short time. (I’m actually pretty excited about this part)

…knowing that in all things God is still in control and the evidence of that is all around – we just need to be still and look for it. Praying for those whose loved ones have been lost of hurt in the bombings.

Thanks for sharing with your friends!