Keeping Warm

If you're like me (and I imagine, most moms), now that winter is here, you're looking for ways to make the outdoor experience a little more fun and a little less frustrating for you and your kids. You want them to get some sun and fresh air and to get their pent-up energy out. But they either come in too soon or they are constantly asking you to deal with the snow that is getting in between their cuff and mitt.


Well, one day when my eldest was a toddler, I came up with an idea that seems to help: "wrist guards".

Instructions:

1. Take a sock one size too small
2. Cut off the foot at a bit of an angle just before the heel
3. Cut a small hole at the heel corner (for the thumb).

When these are under the mitts, the kids seems to withstand a lot more snow getting in there and are more content playing. Try it! (email me if you have questions). The only thing I find with this very crude invention is that the thumb hole can rip/stretch and not provide proper coverage after that.

School Days

Some of you know what this time of year brings. New school supplies (my favorite), a new routine that involves getting up entirely too early (although today was okay...helps when your young student wakes up on his own and is keen to get ready), and a change in the dynamics at home (less people trying to get along with each other...slightly more relaxed mommy...when she's not busy trying to get everything ready for bus-time). And of course, a learning of how to navigate the emotional issues that come with school, being available so those issues can surface, and learning the art of communication with those that work with your child balancing advocacy with compassion and understanding. Wow, this has just gotten pretty heavy-duty.

We had an excellent first day today. Nothing too stressful approaching launch-time and a day where I had the opportunity to focus on me and my youngest. This was good practice, as my middle child (my only daughter) is starting kindergarten on Monday. It is so hard to believe my second is starting school. I was desperately trying to rack my brain: what was it like to hold her when she was a baby, how did she talk when she was a toddler, how has she changed in the past year? It is amazing how these things slip from consciousness.

So, wherever you're at in your stage of motherhood, I urge you to take a little time to step back, breathe, and take it all in: the feel of your child on your lap or in your arms, the smell of their hair, the feel of their breath, the sound of their cries, laughs, and toddler-isms...write about if at all possible. Because you're going to forget. And the more things going on in your life, the more people you're caring for, the quicker the time seems to go. Everybody says this...and it is easy to ignore...but everyone says it because it's true...so go into your sleeping baby's room and gaze at their round cheeks and soft eyelashes and drink it all in. Feel the weight of your tired eyelids that accompanies the depth of your love for your little one(s). And take a minute to be thankful. The time you're spending with this little person is time you'll never get again. And be kind to yourself and care for your needs, too. What you give to yourself is never wasted either.

Happy 09/09/09!

My beans are growing. My kids are growing. Our business is growing. I am growing. It is exciting to see things develop.

It seems like when we had that prolonged cool weather, that our lives were reflecting that. I felt dormant. Yes, we were getting a lot of landscaping preparation done. That was a blessing to do minus the heat and mosquitoes. We did the major push for our "Just As I Am" project, which we're actually still accepting people for this week-end, and it was nice to have a quiet period in our business in order to focus on that. But my optimism, my physical energy, and my purpose were all very weak.

Now, it feels like we've regrouped our energies, and we're ready to branch out again. Stretching, expanding, reaching out, going deeper...and we anticipate a surge of growth that will bring our business to the next level. I believe this will happen as we do some inner work, find ways to feed our souls, and as we gather with supportive people.

These last two weeks have been interesting. I've been looking at energy in a number of different ways: learning about the fascinating way the body functions, taking more seriously how different things drain my energy, and looking for ways to boost my energy. One step I'm taking is using money to hire people to do things for me that aren't getting done easily and are dragging me down. It's a scary step, as I need to believe that more money will come when I do this to compensate (even abundantly more). But I am now willing to take the step and see it where it leads me. That, for me, is growth.

How are you growing?

(If anyone has a cleaning person or a bookkeeper they want to recommend, I'd love to hear it).

A Better Day

Do you ever go through a period of feeling really down, listless, foggy, and rather despairing? And then one day, it all lifts, your energy returns, and you can think clearly? Maybe you dip down again, but for that day you feel as sunny as a bright blue-sky day?

I just had that experience this week. It seems like for one week in particular every month, I still struggle with insomnia. It used to be quite ongoing but then I started taking supplements for my underactive thyroid. Anyways, one night of little sleep seems to be okay...I just function on adrenaline the next day and actually get quite a lot done. But when it starts adding up, I just go downhill really fast. But somehow, my perspective gets all out of whack and it feels like I have no energy, motivation, or focus EVER (which is pretty depressing). And it's not until the "sun comes out from behind the clouds", that I realize how unlike the real me that is.

Isn't it funny (well, not laugh-out-loud funny) that we can so quickly judge ourselves/pigeon-hold ourselves when we're not at our best (be it anxious, irritable, depressed, tired) and label ourselves, when really, our bodies are probably just saying "pay attention, something's not right...take care of me and I'll take care of you"? But instead, we often become more anxious, irritable, depressed and tired because we're down on ourselves for the way we're acting (or not acting).

I've been reading a very interesting book relating to health, that deals particularly with the energy of the body. From what I've learned, it seems that our bodies become undercharged or overcharged in certain areas when we over-do something (whether it's exercise, working, thinking or whatever). When we mix it up a little, our bodies function better.

So, taking 20 minutes in our massage chair is probably one of the best things I can do in the middle of my day. Or going for a short walk, or stopping to make a cup of tea, or spending 15 minutes playing with my kids in the middle of my work time. These days, it's so common for people to push through tiredness, or skip lunch, or be at the computer endlessly (or in stay-at-home terms, keep cleaning, keep making food, keep changing diapers, keep keeping up) without a break. But our bodies can't sustain that.

Well, speaking of bodies, I should get this body ready for bed. One of my friend's doctors said "There's no substitute for sleep". I need to get me some of that. Maybe I can have more days like today!

Rainy Day Fun

With the rain today, feeling a little under the weather myself, and having just put on a big event at our studio last night to unveil the images for our project "Just As I Am", I decided to lay low today. My little guy got up early and my school boy slept in, so I spent some time on the couch this morning and decided we were skipping school today.



At 8:30, I found myself making two batches of playdough. I made it once about three years ago, but hadn't even wanted to since. It was fun to see the colours develop. Kept the kids entertained for quite a while. (And we all know how good that is!)











Here's the recipe (there are many versions apparently, some without cream of tartar):

1 c. flour
1/2 c. salt
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 c. cold water
1 tbsp. cooking oil
food colouring

Cook all ingredients together over medium heat. It will be lumpy and hard to stir. Stir constantly until it begins to leave sides of pot. Remove from pot, then knead a few minutes. Store in an airtight container.



And here are some thoughts on rain from Sarah Ban Breathnach's "Romancing the Ordinary".

"Rain restores serenity to our daily endeavors because it slows us down, or it should. It's been my observation that when it rains, no one--from the dog to the boss--really expects much to happen or get done. This means we get to indulge in activities that would otherwise make us feel guilty--dawdling,idle conversation with coworkers, naps. "My, isn't the weather dreadful," we mutter as our frazzled bodies and restless spirits downshift with a sigh of relief.

Rediscovering the splendors of rain through your senses is a wonderful way to make an attitude adjustment. Watching a storm from a couch,window seat, or bed, especially as it grows dark, can be thrilling...cracking the window so that you can hear rain's melody--patters on a windowpane, drips through leaves, drizzle down drainpipes--is so soothing...breathe in the fragrance of rain before you shut the door behind you....A spring rain smells fresh and earthy; the fragrance of a summer shower is spicy, like incense....Rainy days are powerful personal prompts sent to remind us that in our desire to accomplish so much each day, we cherish ordinary time-outs too little. "

Then she also talks about developing a Rainy Day Cupboard, the "saving grace of Victorian mothers".

In these treasure troves of inspiration were neat, clearly marked boxes of arts and crafts supplies, games and novelties that were enjoyed only on rainy days.

This idea is great for small children (I would need to work on the neat, clearly marked part), but she also suggests it for us, the women/mothers. She insists you don't have to be crafty. Go beyond the norm, and walk through a crafts shop and find something that catches your interest: beads, leather, pottery, stained glass, ribbon, paper, framing, carpentry...there are lots of kits out there, even. She also has mixing bowls with all the non-perishable ingredients to make yummy treats. (pp. 106-110)


Fascinating.


Well, I should close off here. Maybe get out of these sweats and into the shower.

It's amazing. The whole time I've been typing here, my kids have been busy in the basement, discovering old toys in a box, and creating rooms out of some big boxes. They have not asked for the TV once! Maybe when we start the day with creativity, it catches on for the rest of the day...


Enjoy the rain!


P.S. This post is meant to inspire new ideas, not guilt...I know I've been in a rut...we all have them. I struggle with depression. I struggle with being overwhelmed. But this week, I started using my creativity for new things...and it's been refreshing (and yes, suppers got pushed back and bedtimes suffered, but I feel it was worth it...at least for this time). Okay, I'm done now!

Waiting

You've probably been waiting for us to update this blog. We're all waiting for spring to arrive (or stay). If you've been driving in this weather, you've probably done your share of waiting in traffic. And if you're like several in our family, you're waiting for a persistent cough to clear up.

Waiting. Most of us aren't that crazy about waiting. Or good at it. My kids are notoriously impatient. I think they come by it honestly. Where am I going with this? I'm not even sure. That's what I like about the creative process. You never know where it might lead. It's like a great novel or an exciting adventure.

My friend is doing a lot of waiting these days. She broke her ankle in three places. Now she waits for it to heal. And waits for others to do things for her, when normally she is the one making things happen (and a lot of things happen at once, I might add).

I have experienced the waiting that comes with pregnancy three times. With the first came lots of reflection and anticipation...and a little trepidation. The second and third went by much faster, with less time to savour the experience.

With our business, we've done a lot of waiting...waiting for the breakthrough...where everything we've done starts to come together in synergy and our business takes off. Well, I think the waiting is over. It feels a little surreal at times, to see our dream becoming a reality, but I think it's slowly sinking in. It's been a long time coming.

I think the waiting has enlarged us (like being pregnant). I think it has expanded our capacity for hope. I think it has increased our ability to trust. I think it has opened up our hearts to be more grateful. I hope so.

Rodney and I often find it difficult to find the balance between "doing the stuff"and trusting. Sometimes it comes down to receiving the wisdom to do the "right stuff at the right time" and sometimes it is simply receiving a gift we could never have orchestrated ourselves. Those gifts "out of the blue" remind us of the vastness of God, so that we don't over-inflate (or over-work) our limited selves.

What are you waiting for? Have you been feeling desperate? Have you nearly given up hope? Do you wonder if you are foolish to believe it will happen? Are you afraid of disappointment? The one who created us waits for us to turn to him. He knows our hearts. He knows what we need. He is fully capable of meeting those needs. Our part is to wait...in expectation (and with a bit more "stillness" than my children!)

Well, I think I got to where I needed to go. I hope the path was scenic enough.

...I'm waiting to hear from you!

The Kind of Day it's Been

Oops! It's 10:27 p.m. and I'm trying to cram in a post before bed. It's been a long week so far with my husband busy preparing for and presenting a seminar-type talk at the Winnipeg South camera club. I'm looking forward to a night off from putting the kids to bed.

But tonight was good. Maybe not stellar as far as early bedtimes go, but fairly enjoyable. Supper was ready at 5:30 (yay for crockpots). Managed to scrounge up enough energy to get the kids to help with cleaning up the disastrous-looking kitchen floor. Kids got pajamas on fairly painlessly. After making night snack, I took off for a little "me" time and played piano. My eldest joined me and we sang a duet! Red a fun story from the library...twice! (Minerva Louise and the Red Truck or something). Very cute. Tickled and chased my youngest (I love his laugh!) rather than fighting over who would take his diaper off, his clothes off, etc. Managed to curb the kids' desires to be distracted without too much nagging or time-wasting. Talk/Tuck In time got a little long, but not too bad. Two-year-old went to sleep easily and quickly! He's been fighting sleep so much. He was rubbing his ears last night, so I asked him if they hurt. We started putting in Similasan Homeopathic Ear Drops and he's been sleeping better. Yay! (google to learn more). Just been puttering around on the computer mostly now...my sister sent me flowers on Facebook!

Hope my hubby comes home soon! Anyone been reading any good books lately?

Irony

Well, after posting about my adorable, lovable two-year-old, he turned over a new leaf and has become fiercely independent, openly defiant, and generally very challenging to deal with. And not napping very easily. Oh, the joys of motherhood! He's still great, but I find myself exhausted by all the emotional skirmishes. And with number three, mommy finds herself yelling right back! Sigh...

On another front, I just posted "How to make Chicken Noodle Soup" on our Eve blog. Feel free to check it out if you're in a space that feels like soup-making might be possible. It can be quite satisfying, especially if Daddy is with the kids and it's more like a little creative "me" time.

Enjoy the snow!

So cute...

Just have to share a photo of my youngest. I love this age (well, except for when he's growly or throwing things). He's so cuddly and he's learning words all the time. Here's my baby...

What is your favorite age or stage?

Stre - tch - ing

I'm actually NOT going to talk about stretching in the yoga or physical sense of the word. Today, I'm thinking about being stretched intellectually. As mothers in the thick of mothering small ones, life tends to become a series of repetitious acts: lots of feeding, diapering, getting off to sleep, cleaning up etc. There can be lots of joy in that...lots of love...lots of rewards. There can also be a sense of despair that sets in: "I'm never any farther than I was the day before". We become easy candidates for depression, often unaware of it at the time. "Why is everything so hard right now?" When we give and give (night and day), we burn out. We get grouchy. Even start feeling like the victim in it all. (Or am I the only one?!! I don't think so).

Good things to do in those times or to prevent getting that low can include: getting some time alone or with a friend, doing one nice thing for yourself (like taking a long bath instead of doing the dishes when the kids are in bed), asking for help, or....learning something new! Some of us probably find it easier to do some of these things than others, for various reasons. That's okay. But we do all need a certain amount of attention and care ourselves or we self-destruct. Because we have limits. We can't do it all. When a battery's energy is being depleted by long use, it needs to be recharged. So do we.

These days I've often been feeling low. There's always more to do than I can handle, we've all ben struggling with illness since Christmas, not sleeping well at night, and other things I won't go into. But one thing I started in January, in the middle of all of this, was a pubic speaking course. Sound crazy? Maybe. But I'm doing something that's getting me closer to a dream of mine...a dream that had been dormant for quite some time...the dream of speaking to women. Plus, learning is a passion that also has been unpursued in the past six years.

So, I'm taking this course. And I'm learning. And I'm being stretched. And it's giving me energy. Yesterday was my first prepared speech. I went into it, feeling very insecure and under-prepared all day. Then, suddenly, it was show-time. And I did well! Sure, I hand-clasped and rushed at the end, but I did it! And I was happy with it. And I've been on a bit of a high ever since. It hasn't been easy trying to squeeze in the time to prepare and rehearse, but it's given me an outlet for my creativity, a place for me to grow and try things, an opportunity to say, "I did that and I'm proud".

If you're in a place in your mothering where you can take a bit of time away from your kids, I encourage you to go out and try something new. Str-etch a little. It will be so worth it! And if you're right in the newborn phase, try to snatch up the time you can to read something or write something or even take a Mom-and-baby Pilates class or something. You'll gain all the energy back you put into it and more!

Ta Da Lists

(No, that is not a typo). We're all familiar with To Do Lists. They're the things we make when we want to get a lot done and we don't want to forget anything. But how many of us take the time to make a Ta Da List? They're a list of the things we've accomplished (whether in a day, a week, or a year). If we take just a few minutes, we can show ourselves that, yes, we are doing things that are important and valuable. Sometimes those things otherwise go unnoticed, often because we do them almost every day (like making meals). Sometimes, we lose track of some of things we've given our time to because they're spaced so far apart (like planning a birthday party).

My Ta Da List for Today

- got up with my two-year-old at 6:00 a.m.
- had a shower and blow dried my hair
- got dressed and enjoyed how I looked
- made smoothies for everyone at breakfast
- sorted out some of the laundry that was getting wrinkly...folded some of it
- started two more loads
- played piano and sang worship songs
- read to my kids twice (mostly, I admit to try to get them to stop being in my hair, but thoroughly enjoyed it both times)
- made a healthy lunch that I haven't made forever (black beans & rice a la Cuba/Brazil)
- had a good phone conversation with another woman
- followed up my press releases from yesterday with three emails and got a response
- wrote out a computer "to-do list"
- cleared the table completely after lunch (this is quite an accomplishment for me)
- corrected my four-year-old with a decent amount of graciousness and understanding
- laughed out loud
- started this post

So, can see, that quite an ordinary morning can seem almost extraordinary when you stop to realize all you've done. Please note that there are some things I left out of the list like: having a mini panic attack and starting to take it out on the kids when I wasn't getting any business stuff done, dealing with screaming and fighting children and juice messes, and feeling a bit of guilt at not getting my son down for a nap when he probably really needed one.

I encourage you to try it now. Whatever you're in the midst of, just sit down with a piece of paper and a pen and do it (or type it in Word). I'd love to hear it! We all need to celebrate the little things more.

What a Great Night!

I just want to say how much I enjoyed talking to people last night. Thank you to all the Moms for your helpful feedback. It was neat to connect with you and figure out how we might be able to make this blog community work.

Trina, if you're reading this, you won the gift bag from Tiber River (here's there blog). Why don't you come out to the studio sometime soon, see your beautiful photos and pick up your prize?!

It was surprising to me to hear that I could be thought of as "amazing" for doing all that I do and writing here. We often focus on what we're struggling with as moms juggling so many things, that we forget what we are accomplishing and that we can only expect so much of ourselves, and to just accept where we're at.


That first year of baby's life is so all-consuming, I think we forget the magnitude of what it takes to mother a newborn: the sleep loss, the endless giving of ourselves, the incredible chaos of adhering to someone else's "schedule" on a continual basis, the lack of self-care and personal time and even just the ability to be alone with your thoughts that are apt to occur, the hormones and post-partum depression that are often not even taken into consideration when we're passing judgment on ourselves, the isolation that can happen...it all takes its toll on a woman. We've got to recognize this and be gracious to ourselves. And it's not only the first year. I've heard women say it took three years to really come back to themselves...and when you continue the cycle by having your next child before that, it can be six or more years before that "normalcy" returns. In the meantime, it's important to accept the "new normal" and work within our limitations.

I look forward to your feedback on how to make this a place of support, community, and inspiration. Please feel free to comment. If you don't blog yourself or have a gmail account, just click on "Name/URL" and type your name in the box (don't worry about the optional one). Write your comment and hit "Publish your comment". (You may be asked to type in something you see in a box just to verify you're a real person and not a computer program). Hope this helps.

Looking forward to hearing from you and making this a place you want to come to. Thanks again for coming. It was wonderful.

Merry Christmas!

Rodney and I wish you all a very merry Christmas! What is a merry Christmas anyways? I think I would wish that inspite of the busyness of preparations and events, the stresses and emotion that often accompany family life, and the possibility that you may even be dealing with loss or loneliness this Christmas, that you can take a few moments and give thanks for what you have, make the effort to really look around you and drink in the beauty that is there (in the countryside as you're driving or in the faces of those around you), and savour good food and hopefully a few good laughs.

More... Sing. Light candles. Watch the snow fall. Lay on the couch and get mesmerized by the Christmas lights. Read a good book. Listen to music. Party. Watch a classic Christmas show. Make soup. Eat chocolate. Hold a warm drink in your hands and let it soothe you. Take a little extra care with one or two presents and make them a work of art. Use a little extra colour or glimmer as you set your table.

For me, I also hope to take a little time to reflect on the experience of Mary, on the wonder of that night, on the unusual ordinary-ness of a King born among animals and adored by sheep herders, and on the love that brought this story to life.

Maybe merry isn't the best word. Perhaps "wonder-filled" is better. The one conjures up red and green, deck the halls, ho ho ho, and let your heart be light (things I still enjoy). The other brings to my mind starry nights, the intricacies of nature, the faces of children, and a depth of feeling in both joy and sorrow. You can choose. May love, joy, peace, and hope fill your heart this Christmas.

The Brauns

The Last Two Weeks

I can't believe two weeks has gone by since I last posted. It seems this juggler-mother isn't keeping all the balls up in the air.

Motherhood really has become this extraordinary juggling act, hasn't it? It's always been a multi-tasking job. Before technology, much of it was related to the necessities of life: obtaining food, preparing food, cleaning the home, washing the clothes, taking care of children and so on. Now, there's so many widely-diverse tasks that tug at our time: working outside the home, working at home, working on the home, taking care of children, taking children to daycare, driving here and there, and there's still community and church involvement, social commitments, travelling for work, and the multiple things within each category.

I was talking to Michelle from Tiber River about the many hats we each wear, and how many times we find ourselves changing gears (or hats). It's certainly challenging. My sister-in-law is currently facing the transition I think many mothers dread (and some welcome it): going back to work after maternity leave. There's nine months of anticipation and everything else that comes with pregnancy. Then, there's a period of intense adjustment and sleep loss within the first year of a myriad of changes as you get to know this new person in your life. And then, if you choose to go back to work or need to go back to work, you now are faced with the emotional adjustment of leaving your child with someone else, perhaps some new challenges with feeding and sleep, and the added responsibility of work on top of the existing home/mothering roles.

No wonder we're finding ourselves exhausted and irritable. But we, as mothers and women, often don't tend to look outward and try to change our circumstances (maybe because we feel trapped) and we don't even tend to look inward at our bodies' lack of resources to function. We just tend to blame ourselves for not measuring up. Tell me, when you're depressed and low on energy or easily-angered over every little thing, do you first look at it as a sign of change needed or do you assign guilt to yourself? Although I am learning (and it becomes easier when post-partum eases a bit), my first reaction is usually to get down on myself.

The other Saturday gave me a bit of hope for myself. I woke up after a not-so-great-night and everything felt hard, my chaotic house rangled my nerves, I was short with my kids, and I felt hopeless and alone in my situation. After an hour or so of just feeling crappy, I went upstairs to my bedroom to get some solitude and ended up ranting (and sobbing) to my husband. And then retreated to my closet to write. I expressed my feelings and frustrations and listed what I felt pressured to do and what I really wanted to do that day. Meanwhile, hubby and kids worked on cleaning the livingroom unbeknownst to me. I came down and went for a run with toddler in stroller because I physically still couldn't shake the stress inside me, we picked up some pizza from our local corner store, and finally things inwardly and outwardly felt a little better. This gave me hope because I could see the signs and make some changes rather than just beating myself up. And that's not a natural inclination for me.

Anyways, wherever you're at these days, I wish you peace. Peace in the midst of chaos. And when that peace is hard to find, may you discover new ways to find it again.

Taking the Time

This week has felt like a blur of activity. I've been feeling a little bit like the trembling leaves outside in the biting wind. Today has been a bit of a slow-down day. Make some soup. Sit in bed reading Chatelaine while the kids play around me. Actually sit and play with my daughter and her new doll-house. Look out the window as the raindrops slide down. Make some art while I'm at it.

Life feels full and good one day, and overwhelming and chaotic the next. I think my soul was telling me to just slow down and rest a while.

Enjoy.

Craziness

This morning was rough. My youngest (almost two) woke up at 6:40 just screaming, for reasons unknown. He continued to be difficult through breakfast, getting my oldest ready for school, and during my bath (with moments of manageability). It was so draining and stressful. I was ready to give up.

I managed to get in 20 minutes of exercise...a bit of a challenge with a toddler sometimes on my belly, but I felt much more ready to cope. I took three minutes to sit and just be and then I was ready to carry on with my day: able to make an important decision, able to take a little "me time" at the piano, and then early lunch and early to bed for my little guy. Aaahhhh....

We all have these days, don't we? What have you done to cope?

Love 'em!

Well, we decided to take our own advice and updated our kids' photos. Wasn't long, and wasn't even painful! Aren't they great?!

Off to School!

Tomorrow is my eldest son's first day of grade one. We went to visit his teacher today and she asked (along with his old kindergarten teacher) how I was feeling about it. The truth was, I haven't even thought of that yet. The biggest thing on my mind was how we were going to give him enough time to keep our relationship strong in just the after-school and week-end hours. I haven't even contemplated missing him! I guess the two others at home and our business will keep me more than busy...but still I wonder how I'll feel in two weeks.

It was six years ago when I was in the throes of early motherhood for the very first time. And our first gave us quite an initiation. This boy was like a bright light that never quite completely turned off. Sleep deprivation was normal for a veerrrrrryyyy long time. Actually, we're just starting to come out of it...I think. He wouldn't accept anything but us for his soothing (and to be honest that's the way we wanted it...most of the time). He's still very good at getting what he needs...and if tonight was any indication, he still doesn't like to shut off easily. But he's a keen student and a bright kid. We love him and will look forward to his return at 3:12 every afternoon.

I'm contemplating starting to bake my own cookies now that I have a child in school full-time. Something about fresh-baked cookies after school that just makes you feel loved. Well, we'll see how often that happens, but it's worth a try, right? It would give me something to do with my little girl when her little brother is sleeping (and I'm not catching up on sleep or working on the computer!)

Happy mothering! The years fly by too quickly.

P.S. If you want to find one way to commemorate that special bond with your kids and support a mompreneurial business, I encourage you to read the Free Press article in today's paper on Enamoured Heart owner, Lori Bettig. She actually came in for a newborn session with her youngest, when we were still a home-based business.

Thankful

We are extremely thankful to God in the Braun household today. As Rod was headed down Main Street on his way to a meeting this morning, a man accidentally ran a red light at Logan and broad-sided our van on the passenger side with such force that the van was tipped onto its side. Many thoughts raced through Rod's mind as he was skidding along down Main, face inches from the pavement with his window open.

Construction workers came to rescue him immediately. An off-duty police officer quickly assessed the situation and told Rod he was concerned about fluid leaks and getting him out as soon as possible. A bunch of guys got the van back on its wheels and Rod was able to get out. Miraculously, he has the mildest of skin abrasions on his cheek and chin (not even really visible) and a tiny cut on his forehead (from a shard of glass I assume). There were some glass shards in his shoe. Of course, his left shoulder and hip are getting increasingly sore and stiff. But it could easily have been so much worse. The car following him ended up somehow in between both vehicles with minor scratches. Also a miracle. The driver of the other car is also "okay". Rod had a chance to talk to him...a very nice guy who just happened to miss the light change as he was adjusting his sun visor. Traffic was blocked off for a four-block radius for about an hour.

So many phone calls today already. We will be replacing three car seats (as a precaution) and looking for a new vehicle. Rod just went to pick up a rental and will be heading to the chiropractor after that. Lots of decisions and uncertainties ahead, but we are so grateful that Rod's life was preserved and that no major injuries were sustained. The accident will probably be in the news...lots of cameras and reporters. I don't even know if I want to see the aftermath.

Life is precious. It is good to be reminded of the fragility of life. Each day we have with those we love is a gift. So enjoy today. Give your babies and your honey a hug. And be thankful. I sure am.