Spring Is Coming

I can feel it in my bones!

Today I did some spring cleaning- scrubbing the stovetop, cleaning the refrigerator (inside and out), oiling the cabinets- you know the type, once or twice a year get down and dirty cleaning. All of this is being done with upbeat tunes and a window or two cracked open.

Thing is, it felt really, really good.

How do you know spring is on its way?

Little Letters

Dear Sprout,

You have been growing now for 12 weeks and 1 day. Announcement of your coming made many, many people smile. I found out about you the morning of December 24th- a plus sign confirmed what I hoped and prayed for, unsure of my or your Papa's fertility. I savored our secret for a whole 24 hours, and surprised your Dad on Christmas Day with news of your arrival- a wrapped binki, tender kisses, and celebratory hugs.

You have treated me exceptionally well. People like to ask how I'm doing, and besides my very sore breasts, fish burps, and overwhelming fatigue (two hour naps along with regular bedtime have worked out great!), I haven't been sick. Everyone keeps telling me how lucky I am... "No morning sickness? No heartburn?" Nope- we treat each other right kiddo.

Your Papa is pretty sure you're a girl, and calls you by your name. It's such a good one too! You'll love it. I, on the other hand, only wish for your health and am happy if you're a boy or girl. We've seen you once, you did a little somersault and a black and white photo of you is displayed on the fridge. I think I'm starting to feel you flutter inside my belly, but it could be my imagination. I keep thinking that the weeks are going by slowly, and I'm ready to feel you kick and make my abdomen protrude. I'm excited to waddle with you inside me during the spring and summer months. We'll be helping people plant and grow their gardens, which is oddly ironic, don't you think?

I'm falling for you- in a motherly sort of way of course. You've been great company so far, keep up the good work! Much love from your Mama,

Mom

Going Home Again

Bible Belt

I just got back from an adventure-seeking trip with the Folklorist to eastern Tennessee. Man, I love these people. And just in case you don't already know... here's why this shirt is so awesome.

Housewife Solution #11

Spend less time making your bed and more time taking photos of it.

Breathtaking

Seriously, who would have thought that Utah County was "green" enough to invest in these? They are enormous! Oddly enough, they seem to fit right in with the mountains and trees- a beautiful blend of man-made and nature.

Provo Bakery

While buying two dozen doughnuts this afternoon, I made a new friend. She gladly accepted my request to take some photos- lifting the glass on the baked goods cases, and inviting me back to take more bright and early on Friday morning "when they pretty stuff comes out of the oven." Get your taste buds ready...

Midwinter

This photo was taken peeking through our beautiful mock orange in the backyard. I usually resist the winter- short days, bitter cold, colorless trees... however, I've been successful so far at reminding myself that all this is worth it. What is bleak now equals fantastic whitewater, a moist earth, and longer days later. I guess the grass really is greener on the other side?

Still Life

Hardly anyone knows, but I have about a hundred more like these. My kids are gonna be so lucky.

To: You, From: Me

Christmas this year was wonderful. Spent with my many families, here's a sampling of yuletide spirit- portrait style. Our family is probably a lot like yours.

We reluctantly smile for the camera.

We listen to our elders.

We rock in rocking chairs.

We play with our new toys.

We take cat naps by the tree.

We catch up with ones our own age.

We talk with family who live out-of-state. (And re-heat fudge sauce at the same time!)

We are wise.

We laugh.

We dress up for the nativity scene.

We adore the baby Jesus.

We play peek-a-boo.

We give presents...

even white elephants.

We make faces for the camera.

Hope yours was just as delightful!