I Found My Pot of Gold

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! The last three days have been really good days! Our family has been REALLY under the weather and we're starting to see the light and silver lining! I think I'm the last one to get better, but I'm functional - and that's all that matters *wink*.

Let's see, looking back....

Even though Val hasn't slept well since getting sick and taking her first antibiotics, Saturday night to Sunday morning was better than I could have hoped. She got up a few times, but with the rainy dark weather Sunday morning, the girls and I slept in...and in...and in.....till Daddy got home from church. It was so needed! Sunday then was a restful day. Very lovely!

Monday was great too. I gave Lovely one last day to rest up before heading back to school (she's better, energetic, but still pale). We had such a great morning. One of those mornings I think maybe homeschooling could work for me. We did a baking project that fit in with my goal to make and continue more holiday traditions. For me, that includes all holidays! We're big Easter Bunny fans here, but I also wanted to bring in some traditions (some old, some new - all new to me) that fit in with the season - currently, Lent. We made a visual aid for her behavior - most specifically doing things for OTHERS. She's been doing a bean jar before this of all her good deeds (manners, following directions, etc) that on Easter Sunday the Easter Bunny will swap out for JELLY BEANS, but this one is more to help instill and visualize doing good and making sacrifices for others, and in turn for Jesus. It is a braided and baked dough with toothpicks to look like the crown of thorns. When Rachael does something she really doesn't want to do that helps others, she can pull out a toothpick. Mommy and Daddy too! The goal is by Easter the thorns will be gone, we've eased others (and Jesus') discomfort, and we are left with a cool table center. We had SUCH a fun time mixing and baking together. I don't do it enough. She is a JOY to do projects and crafts with that she is excited about too. It turned out great.

After a rest, she went to her FIRST piano lesson. Again, she touched my heart and amazed me with her talent. She was not a bouncy, typical "ADD" 5 year old like most days (which I think is a good thing!!). For the first time in my memory, for 30 whole minutes, she was riveted to the piano, her new teacher, and learning hand positions and rhythm. She followed every direction, demonstrated her amazing ear (her teacher was VERY impressed), and smiled the whole time. She did not want to leave. She's already practiced, and wants to practice more when Daddy gets home. I know we'll have good and hard days with this (I did with practicing), but to know she FEELS the passion, and this is her thing....is so inspiring. I feel so proud and that I have the best daughter in the world. It helped me to release some of the constant "mommy worry/overthinking" I do about my parenting (I don't compare my child to others, I compare ME to others) and made me just marvel at this child I helped create and foster with all the love in my heart, and her Daddy's.

Last night everyone slept through the night!! We awoke on time, got well fed, and on to the day! Lovely went to school (YIPPEEEE!!), Val and I some errands, then home for a rest. Laundry got started, and straightening done (very big for me!). The grandparents came by for a quick visit for lunch, and tonight is a mom's night out for me! After two weeks of really not seeing friends (my "lucky charms" hehe - a Patty's Day pun)....I get to get OUT.

I was going to cook dinner, but the meat did not thaw fast enough, and Hubby was like...what the heck - don't put it in water, let it keep thawing in the fridge for tomorrow. "Tonight, let's eat GREEK." So, he's coming home with food from a local, family owned, greek restaurant with souvlaki and all the trimmings. A man after my own heart. I love a man who knows that the way to a woman's heart is with grape leaves. Home is where the hummus is. He can never be "feta" with me*. I "pita" the fool....

ok, I'll STOP!

He's home. Time to eat, shower, and celebrate the IRISH with my "charms"!!!! Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! I hope your rainbow and pot of gold are under your nose too!!

Luck and Life to ya! (and love too!)

* feta ='s "fed up", get it? He can never be "feta" with me? Baaaahahahahahaahahahahahah