Wednesday, February 19, 2014

All things SIX!!

...
Gabriel,


There is something so very big about six. If it were any other kid, I am fairly confident that I would be in a complete panic leaving little boy land. Not with you though. You are SO much FUN and I truly mean it when I say that I can't wait for this next year. I know with certainty it will be quite silly and full of laughter. 

Buddy, you continue to be the most genuine and honest heart of any of I have ever known. We feel your love in the brightest of ways. Lucky for us, it is no surprise to anyone in a mile radius when you are unhappy too. We never have to wonder what you are feeling, and we are so grateful for that.

This year, you continued to keep us in the loop of "your world". Sleeves or jersey shirts work, tanks tops are a no but shirtless is ALWAYS okay. Sneakers without socks are a crime against humanity but winter hats in the summer are perfectly fine. Anything squishy on your plate is a definite NO and yet, dirt for an outside snack is completely acceptable. We are now keeping a list... you know, just to stay up to speed.

Those crazy sisters continue to have you wrapped around their little fingers. Every time Molly gets in trouble for not being kind to YOU, within seconds you are the strongest advocate for her reprieve. Lucy finally released her pacifiers to the sky and you alone cried for that great loss. Such an incredible feeler you are. Someone will be so lucky to be loved by you. I know that we sure are. 

 Here's to the soccer games, wiggly teeth, pockets full of gravel, chapter books, beach creations, baseball cleats, parental Lego injuries, practical jokes, secret "outdoor pets" found in your room, climbing trees, costumed meals, potty humor, nature hikes and Ninjago. 

What a year! Happy Birthday! 

Love,
Mom




Gabe is six! from Julie May on Vimeo.

Monday, February 10, 2014

A moment.

...
It's been a while since I have taken a moment. The post-holiday crashout befriended first trimester exhaustion, piggy-backed on the welcome of cold/flu season at the hospital and a few spaces of promised ice, cancelled school and weirdy weather. January, you were a whip.

But, here we are. Weather's still weirdy... norovirus is apparently on a rampage...school could very possibly be cancelled again tomorrow and yet it's okay. Trimester two... I like you.

So, it seems I am in the business of making people again. It has taken some time to find a rhythm this go around, and I have been allowing myself some extra space to just be in it all. Sometimes, it is okay to not be okay with something.

I still have a bunch of anxiety that shows up to visit. It would seems that sleepy and scaredy like to hang out together. Lucky for me, I have learned to be ready for their companionship and make an added effort to see the light that exists.

If you look closely, there is always great light to be found...

There's noise. A lot of noise in my life. There will always be noise. And yet after long days of big doings and meeting new faces... there's a quietness. A collective peacefulness, wrapping my most precious specials (in the width of a boppy) in gentle solidarity. This picture is the feeling of my heart when I breathe in after a long day. In a safe space. Alone and together. Nowhere else I'd rather be.

Blessing in the Chaos
To all that is chaotic
in you,
let there come silence.
Let there be
a calming
of the clamoring,
a stilling
of the voices that
have laid their claim
on you,
that have made their
home in you,
that go with you
even to the
holy places
but will not
let you rest,
will not let you
hear your life
with wholeness
or feel the grace
that fashioned you.
Let what distracts you
cease.
Let what divides you
cease.
Let there come an end
to what diminishes
and demeans,
and let depart
all that keeps you
in its cage.
Let there be
an opening
into the quiet
that lies beneath
the chaos,
where you find
the peace
you did not think
possible
and see what shimmers
within the storm.
- Jan Richardson

Here's to basking in a different warmth this winter.
***
 Happy Tuesday, Friends.