Gratitude

Posted on | April 7, 2015 | 1 Comment

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life

Gratitude. I've recently taken note of how much happier I feel when I practice gratitude on a weekly if not daily basis, whether it be in silly conversations with Hazel, meaningful ones with B, or just writing down a list of my gratitudes at the end of the week. Often they are little victories such as "I got a shower today!" and occasionally they're bigger ones that involve epic hikes to beautiful vistas, but as long as I'm taking the time to appreciate and focus on a little positivity in my life I feel so much more whole and content as a mother, wife, and human being.

So here's just a smidgen of my gratitudes this week.

Visits from B's parents. His mother and step-dad are truly such kind hearted people, I'm always left feeling a bit inspired by them when they leave.

Juniper approaching one, and learning so many new skills as of late. She's starting to stand unassisted and walk while only holding one of our hands. She's so ridiculously proud of herself and giggles the entire time, looking around to make sure everyone is watching.

Naps on momma. They're getting harder to come by these days.

Hazel. Oh, Hazel. Grateful for her doesn't begin to explain it. She's so patient when her little sis needs my attention, and so gentle/always on the watch for her sisters safety. She's also so creative and independent as of late, I could just quietly watch her create and imagine for hours.

My job. Seeing women in such raw, natural form everyday is truly a gift. I love helping to empower women to have the birth they desire.

Some recent dietary changes focusing on whole foods, which has left us feeling energetic and healthy. Although there was a little binging this easter weekend... ;)
Speaking of Easter -- watching H's amazement at the 'bunny tracks' around our house when she awoke and then watching her run around the entire 5 acres of our property collecting eggs was just perfect. Holidays are exponentially more exciting with kids.

My mothers impending visit. Despite some differences we've discovered in my adult life, my mother is still just a rad, lovely person. I'm just excited to have her out in Oregon especially to celebrate J's birthday in just a couple of weeks.
Spring! Blooming flowers, rain clouds then sun, and even the lonely garden is starting to awaken. I'm eager to get out and work in the dirt.

What have you felt grateful for this week?

Category: babywearing , easter , gratitude , holidays , Love , Thankful

Gratitude Sunday

Posted on | November 17, 2013 | 2 Comments

Gratitute Sunday

Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes:

{Inspired by the beautiful Taryn of Wooly Moss Roots}

Health. I had a bout of food poisoning (or something!) and was up vomiting all last night. I woke up feeling completely normal and 100% better, however! I'm hoping it wasn't gall bladder related, since it was short lived and just a couple hours after a fatty meal (anyone ever have gall bladder issues while pregnant?).
Pregnancy. It's most likely our last time being pregnant, so I'm relishing every little thing about this soul inside of me.
A impromptu nature date in the mountains with my sweet fam. We even had a fireside picnic!

Language development. Hazel still isn't talking as much as some kids her age, but lately she's been saying "thank you mom" all the time! It absolutely melts my heart.
Elderberry syrup. I made a big batch up last week (my first attempt), and it's so delicious and beats spending money on store bought stuff that's not as fresh! Let's keep those winter bugs at bay!
Our wood stove. There's nothing better than a fire in the wood stove on a chilly night.
Night weaning. Hazel is officially night weaned as of a few weeks ago, and sleeps for 8-10 hours without waking. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal to some lucky parents, but she's always loved to nurse at night so it's a big deal!
My hubby. He works so hard for our house and family, and always make sure we're comfortable. I take that for granted at times.
Hiking. My girl is more & more into hiking these days, she hiked a good mile up a steep butte this week, I only carried her the last scramble to the top then down. Here we are on top of Spencer's Butte in town this week, on our one sunny day!

Seasons. There is something magical about the changing of the season. I'm so ready for the holidays and celebrating!
A lovely night with b where we looked at slideshows of our past trips to yellowstone when we were first dating. It left me with such joy seeing where we began and how far we've come, and I went to bed smiling that night.

What have you been grateful for this week?

Category: Thankful

Gratitude Sunday

Posted on | February 17, 2013 | 3 Comments

Gratitute Sunday

Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes:

{Inspired by the beautiful Taryn of Wooly Moss Roots}

Hazel slowly but surely recovering from a bout of RSV. The fever she spiked on her birthday was just the beginning of a long road of the 'crud,' and she's finally sleeping better and in better spirits this week. Plus her molars finally cut which helped!
An absolutely breathtaking hike on valentines day with just the three of us to blue pool, which I briefly wrote about last April when Hazel was just a wee one. It was phenomenal to see the pool in the winter, it's so rarely visited this time of year.
Finally getting back into the swing of things at home & with my boy B. We had family stay at our house (5 house guests all together, 3 of which were young children) and although it was a fantastic time it's nice to be just us 3 again. Our home isn't quite big enough for 8!
Getting offered a per diem job on my floor. Basically that means I will pick up different shifts according to needs on our unit, but don't have a set schedule or required weekends/holidays that a staff nurse has. It's a bit stressful since it's not guaranteed hours, but I'm keeping the faith that it will work out and fix some of hour scheduling issues at home. Having dinner twice a month as a family just isn't cutting it!
Speaking of jobs, the manager of the midwifery birth center I delivered at told me she's interested in me working there per diem as well. We're in the early phases of this but it's a much better fit for me regarding my beliefs about pregnancy & birth. Keeping my fingers crossed it all works out!
My back finally feeling better. It took 5 months for my back to finally stop spasming/flaring up and for me to get off of light duty at work. It's been amazing being able to pick up H for more than a couple of minutes, and to get back in my groove at work.
Visiting with an old friend yesterday. She was actually the first girl I met in first grade when I moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and we stayed great friends all through high school. She by chance moved to Portland two years ago and this is our 3rd time reconnecting since she's moved here... H loved her!
Closing our accounts at at large bank and moving our funds to a local credit union. I know it seems like an odd thing to be thankful for but we've been wanting to do this for years and finally did!
New music. I've been digging a band called 'first aid kit,' two swedish sisters. Check them out!

What have you been grateful for this week?

Category: Oregon , Thankful

Giving thanks

Posted on | November 24, 2012 | 2 Comments

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” - G.K. Chesterton

Thanksgiving was wonderful this year - both Brad & I happened to not be working, which is always a surprise when you're both nurses. We spent the first half of the day on a short hike by our home, taking in the Oregon winter with her moist air & morning chill. We then spent the afternoon at our friends house who were kind enough to invite us to dinner at their home. We met new friends, ate good (very good!) food, played board games, and laughed at the babies.

Full baby after some turkey and potatoes

Not too full for some breastmilk!

Friends!

Jump off!

Life. Is. Good!

Category: Baby , Oregon , Thankful

Autumn love

Posted on | November 8, 2012 | 2 Comments

My sister flew in all the way from Michigan this week, & it was only the second time Hazel has met her (first being only 3 months old). I warned my sister that H has been a bit timid of strangers as of late, so don't expect her to cling on immediately. Boy was I wrong! The minute she saw her Hazel smiled and reached out. I watch their interaction together and H is always making sure Jamie (my sis) is watching her, always reaching for her. It's beautiful how a child can just sense family and who a person is.

We did a little photo shoot in the fall leaves. This week the leaves hit their peak and seemed to all fall overnight. I love love love this weather & feel so blessed my sister could be here to see it.

Blueberries & egg yolk for breakfast with Aunt Jamie!

Jamie stays here until Sunday, and it's already going too fast. I hope someday she can live out here with us - she fits right in with the community, & I believe Hazel may not have it any other way.

Category: autumn , Baby , Family , Thankful

Simply ten good things:

Posted on | October 24, 2012 | 1 Comment

Here's a list of goodness to end the day, to slow it all down, to plant us right where we are, and to carry it with us as we continue the week. Here is my list of goodness: