Re-entry, and barely springtime

We thought we would sweeten the hard re-entry by getting some baby chicks, 

well we where planning on it all year actually, but the timing was right.

The kids are smitten, there are 5, they are all girls, and they all have names.

This lovely storm greeted us, much to hubby's chagrin

from sunshine to shoveling

snowpants, and ready to go back to school (kinda)

we had our own little egg dying party, very gaudy colors, but hey, whatever they wanted! its what happens as they grow older

 this girl had been practicing her lines for the play back in Panama, 

Joseph the dreamer, she was Levi

rare photos,  Easter morning

oh my, its a real one!

egg hunting at frog belly farm

and a few snapshots from home

Zi painted and wove this basket, and planted grass seed, so beautiful

Imani spring decorated

the chicks first day outside

he was not impressed

Happy tuesday

I knew you would be four

Someday, deep down, I knew you would be four.

I knew you would be four ,when you carried your plate and fork to the kitchen without being asked.

I knew you would be four when you told me you wanted "coowl pants" on, and never really let me choose your outfits again.

I knew you would be four when you walked confidently into school without holding my hand one morning.

I knew you would be four when I overheard you singing your brother's rap songs from your carseat, back there.

I knew you would be four when you proclaimed one night: enough kisses mom!  (and my heart sank just a little) :(

I knew you would be four when your once deliciously chubby little legs grew strong and firm.

I knew you would be four when while unsteadily riding our bikes together over the ice one night, you told me "you're ok mom" "you're fine, don't worry!" and comforted me.

I knew you would four when you woke up this morning and I told you "its your 4th birthday today!" and you answered:
"no , its not really yet, maybe tomorrow" perhaps appeasing  me for begging  you to never ever, actually turn one year older EVER AGAIN.

I knew you were four, when you woke up tonight in a full tantrum, needing me: your mama, and I let you cry, before settling you on my lap to tell you a story about a bunny in springtime, inhaling your sweet hair, and tucking you back to sleep...waiting for your next milestone, in this blessed journey we have shared together.


                                                             Happy 4th Malawi Emanuer

From our familia to yours : a Happy Holiday

Christmas cards, printed and stamped never happened this year, so this will have to do.

Here we are, in all of our imperfect glory...

wishing you warmth, contentment, peace, gratitude, and the ability to give back this holiday season

**Happy holidays 2015**