Simple Pleasures

Tea. The very act of pouring hot water over a tea bag relaxes me.

Make-believe. This week I have been a princess, a baby, an adventurer, a wizard and a Jedi. All without leaving the house.

Folded laundry. Visually satisfying and one of the easier ways I know to obtain a sense of accomplishment.

Blue sky and white clouds. Do I really need to expound?

Giggling children. Simply life-affirming.

Hot baths. Simply life-saving!

Snuggling with hubby. Wonderful!

Disclaimer

I think I had a serious upsurge of hormones yesterday! That entry sure was out of nowhere. This blogging thing is dangerous. I don't think it is wise for just anyone to be able to do this!

Organization

Organization is a funny thing. It is something we all strive for and desire - on some level we all want to be on top of things. I certainly always have, but it was never truly something I posessed. The longer I have been home with the boys, the more I have realized that it is a total necessity if I am to remain a sane, functioning member of society. So, I drew up plans, made schedules and tried a few things here and there. And folks, I do believe yesterday was a breakthrough! The day unfolded as it should, scheduled tasks were completed. All the effort and planning and discipline of the last few months came into fruition and Aaron and I found ourselves sitting there, stunned, at 8:00 PM in a quiet, clean home with no clue as what to do next. We were completely befuddled, flummoxed, even. Such an event had not occurred in ages. Granted, we had been building toward this moment with days and nights of ever increasing resolve and follow-through and adherence to a schedule. But to see it all pay off and to have actually done what we set out to do was just marvelous and oddly enough, totally unexpected!

I suppose this might seem like a strange post, a rather random thing to be so awed by. But this new knowledge that I can be home with two kids all day and not be crazy and cranky and surrounded by chaos (the three c's!) - that I can actually relax a bit and enjoy my children - is liberating! My sisters (deservedly) have all been waiting for this moment (smugly, I think, even if in secret!) - for me to say that being a mom is so hard and such a challenge. I had many days where I just didn't think I could do it or, well - just didn't want to do it anymore. I am happy to report that I haven't had a day like that in ages and I am really enjoying my new life.

A new revelation comes even as I write this: this is the happiest I have ever been!

Now, if you will excuse me, my boys are waiting for me. :o)

Update

The shoes are still muddy and still in the garage. Hee, hee, hee!

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a very fun and happy holiday! Our New Year's Eve was pretty much what you would expect - a quiet evening with the boys. Aaron and I did manage to stay "up" until midnight, though! We were just rolling over to sleep as we heard the firecrackers going off outside and we muttered a sleepy "Happy New Year" to each other before drifting off!

Yesterday was a great day - we spent the morning at home and then headed over to our surrogate familiy's house. John and Setsko are a couple from Salt Lake and John had worked with Aaron at Greenbacks and is now at Dollar Tree, too. They had us over for a Japanese feast, which made us feel not quite as homesick for Grandma Terashima's traditional Japanese New Year's meal. They have also taken us in for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is so fun and comfortable and Aaron could easily pass for one of their sons. The above picture was taken at their house yesterday while Dylan was exploring. Um, cute enough for you?!

After dinner I went to see the Broadway tour of The Lion King with my friend, Tricia. LOVED IT!! It was AMAZING! And pretty much beyond words. If you ever get the chance - see it! It was a wonderful evening - Aaron even watched the boys - and a great way to start the New Year.