The last month has certainly been busy. A bit too busy at times; not much time to sit and take a moment.
On the one hand: My husband has been away two weeks out of the last three. We had to celebrate two birthdays a day early because of his trips. It’s been exhausting. It’s been cold and wet.
But, on the other hand: We have celebrated two birthdays. We’ve had some lovely quiet, chilled time. We’ve had some sunshine. We’ve seen the first signs of spring. The snow is gone!
Celebrations
We celebrated the wee girl’s third birthday and the 5yo became the 6yo. Neither of them minded celebrating a day early, in fact the wee girl had no idea that we did. They both had a brilliant time, loved their presents and ate cake. Watching their delight as they opened gifts and blew out candles was priceless. Those moments of pure childish joy are what it’s all about.
Sidewalk Chalk
While last week might have been rather miserable, damp and cold, we have seen the sun! We’ve even had some days that were warm. Actually warm. The sidewalk chalk came out of hibernation and, for me, this is a sure sign that spring has arrived. Regular readers will know that I’m not a huge fan of the winter. Feeling warm sun on my face, watching the kids potter about outside, seeing them get creative with the chalk. These are things that make me happy.
Sunshine
The winters in New England may be long, but so are the summers. As the sun comes out and the temperatures rise, I remember how lucky I am to be living here. We will spend most of the summer outside; playing, picnicking, swimming. I’ve started running again (and I’m thrilled that the 8yo has come with me a couple of times), we’ve had our first picnic and a brief, but sunny visit to Boston had me falling in love with the city all over again.
Shoes
It’s such a small thing. But shoes; I wore shoes for the first time in months yesterday. And, the wee girl has worn shoes too. After weeks and weeks in boots, it’s such a relief to slip on a pair of shoes. It’s the little things!
On the face of it, this month should have been tough going and, it has had its moments. But, my main feeling is one of contentment. The sun has shone, the kids have had fun and have actually been a huge help to me while their dad has been away (they are growing up!).
There has been a lot of laughter.
It only takes a moment to focus on what has made us happy, rather than what has made life difficult. And, while I am the worst for finding the faults, I am working hard on finding the blessings instead.
Oh look at that sun, you really deserve a lot of that after all that snow you guys have had. Hope the kiddies had wonderful birthdays. I know what you mean about being too busy. I feel similarly at the moment and it makes me stress a bit, I just need to breathe and stay calm. Thanks so much for linking to #CountLuckyStars xxx
They had lovely birthdays, but it’s definitely been a bit too busy :) Some calm is required to regroup a little! Thanks for hosting lovely x
Lovely pictures! Great to see you have some sunshine after months of deep snow ;-) i love Boston. It’s such a great city and i’d love to go back one day x
It is a lovely city, one I’d visited a few times before we moved here, still love it x
Such lovely photo’s :)
I too want to work harder to find the blessings in things. It’s easy to get bogged down with all that is wrong.
I love the chalk idea my daughter would love this x
The chalk is fab, highly recommend it :)
It is far too easy to get lost in the daily grind, good to stop and take notice of the good stuff x
Lovely pictures and I can imagine it is hard with your husband away. Must be nice for the snow to be going and the summer to be starting. I love hearing about New England, I loved it so much when I was there and I’d love to go back xx
I do love New England, and I love that we have proper seasons, but I am glad to see the back of the snow this year :)
I wore my shoes last week to! Felt so nice and such a change.
Looks so nice and summery, lovely view. Makes me excited for Summer now!
Beth
http://www.life-as-mum.co.uk
I am definitely looking forward to summer :)
We haven’t had our first picnic yet but if the temperatures here stay as they are today we might get one in at the weekend. It must be so hard with your husband away a lot but it sounds like you cope really well! Xx
Thank you :) It has its moments, but actually it’s quite easy to get into a routine and the kids are old enough to be helpful, for the most part :)
And what a lot of blessings you’ve had! Great attitude Sara :) I love the chalks and the time outside, drinking in the sunshine. Yay to summer! x
Thank you Suzanne, most definitely yay to summer :)
Grace & Lucas say – And this is why we love your blog……….. we always love it when there’s a lot of laughter. Sending you XL MEGA High-5’s xxxxx #sharewithme
Oh you always have so much fun with yours kids. I love all the celebrations you rock Momma!!! Sidewalk chalk is the best and we just did the same on Easter on our sidewalk and had a blast. Lovely post hunny. Thank you ever so much for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
Lovely photos, and it must be so nice to be in shoes again (I feel a bit like that with flip flops at the moment, but I’m not sure my calves could have taken wearing wellies for all that time!). Roll on summer