Photo of the Week

We live in a quiet, small town. Parades, parks, farmer's market, little league. I know my checker's name. I've made friends solely on the fact that I run into them multiple times in multiple places. The fabric store, the park, story time at the library. It's a good place.

There has been three attacks within the last two weeks, most likely by the same person. It's haunting. Violating. One of the attacks was one of my friends. Like diving into a still pool in the cold of winter, it jolted my awareness of danger. Thankfully she and the other women are okay, but it's a reminder of the foulness that even parades and flying kites can't hide or protect.

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Psalm 32:7

I'd Say So

Life as a stay-at-home mom is pretty fantastic. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Sure, it's exhausting at times, challenging at times, and holds quite a bit of responsibility. But what job doesn't? Who else gets to spend all day in the sun, pick at bark, kick rocks, explore caves (well, trees that have room to hide a 3-yr-old), snack, play with water, paint?

I'll spare the negative moments such as a kicking, tantruming child or the snotty sneezes spraying the entirety of the consoler's face. I won't mention the whining that is very much equivalent to nails on a chalk board. I'll avoid the fact that I'm pretty sure I have had a headache daily for the last three weeks come 5pm. I'll keep silent about my son skipping his nap, leaving a very unhappy camper. I'll leave that to your imagination.

What I will tell you about is our refreshing outing today. Undoubtedly windy (not a fan), but warm--we packed up our picnic lunch and the bike and hit the trail. It was breathtaking. All the spring green weeds flowing in the wind--the walkers, bikers and runners inspired by the weather, we were all there taking it in. What I had a difficult time acknowledging?

This child.

Eating a sandwich.

Where did my baby go?

He was all too excited to have it as a whole rather than his typical squares (Why I didn't give it to him sooner is unknown, maybe out of fear that he would drop the sandwich and it's entirety? Although if anyone knows me, they know that I am, a: not afraid of germs and/or dirt, b: not afraid of choking, c: not very cautious, so the verdict remains a mystery--unless the location is Wal Mart, then revoke points a through c).

Now occasionally (especially on our runs in the double jogger), these two end up playing footsies. If I ever direct attention to it, Kid acts as a pre-teen, blushes and swiftly moves his foot away. I caught it late, but to see their Chucks together is a moment I want to remember (When we have six kids, we won't be able to afford Chucks).

And this, this is a satisfied biker. Kid rode over a mile on the bike. And to come home and skip a nap?

How dare he.

Sticking to the positive, let me remind my husband, my bff. Thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be here. Not a day goes by (even when snot and tantrums are involved) that I am not grateful.

Blessed.

I'd say so.