07 May 2010

Introducing...Photo Fridays (Inspired by "SouleMama")

Inspired by SouleMama, I would like to begin having "Photo Fridays" on my blog.  The goal is to have the pictures (mostly!) speak for themselves...
Enjoy!!!

Our Wednesday Nature Walk

Aedan & Callan with their treasures from our walk.



 
Aedan's sticks - he was very proud of them and carried them around for the rest of the day!


Beautiful Callan with her nature finds!


My tree-huggers!!!


"The nicest thing about the promise of spring is that sooner or later she'll have to keep it."
- Mark Beltaire

"I never knew how soothing trees are - many trees and patches of open sunlight, and tree presences; it is almost like having another being."
- D. H. Lawrence

Happy Mother's Day!!!


04 May 2010

Pockets of Solitude


Time is a funny concept.

At times, it is our closest ally.  On other occasions...our worst enemy.  Our nemesis.

What does time mean to you?

Time is a paradox to me.  I crave time alone, time to revel in the silence I so desperately seek each day.  When I do (finally) grasp a pocket of solitude, though, my mind is instantly bombarded with thoughts of my children, my husband, and my infinite to-do list.

I instantly feel guilty about my time alone.

How can I be doing something for myself when I have four little children needing me, clamoring for their next need to be met...now? And what about that laundry pile...those bills...the grocery trip that needs to be made? And a thousand other tasks I must accomplish???

But as I settle into my little pocket of solitude, I begin to immerse myself in...well...myself.  I begin to recapture my own sense of identity as I partake in "me" time, whether it's yoga, meditation, reading, or praying.

Losing myself in my leisure time no longer feels bad; in fact, it feels good...well-deserved and even necessary.  Even though I must remind myself time and time again, I have to care for myself, too.  I must nurture myself as I nurture my children.

Much akin to following the airline steward's advice of putting on my oxygen mask before I place it on my children, I cannot help them to breathe if I cannot breathe myself.

**This post is part of the 30 Minute Blog Challenge at Steady Mom!!! Join us!!!**


03 May 2010

Mommy Links I'm Lovin' Right Now


I found some AWESOME mommy blogs and sites while surfing through the blogosphere last week and just had to share the love!!!!

  • Enchanted Mama - I love the earthy look and feel of this blog! This is one awesome mama who reminds us to live in the moment with our precious children!
  • Moments with Love - This mother of five small children lets US relish in her wonderful mommy life! Beautiful sharing!
  • Steady Mom - Help for keeping us mommies on track! Great advice!

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” — Thornton Wilder