Big Boy Bed

Can you tell Little K is excited about his big boy bed? We have been saying for awhile now that it was time, T was about a year younger when she was in one. K saw a bunk bed at Costco that splits into two twins, and he thought that it would be perfect for the kids. It is. The one Little K is in even has a guardrail so he won't roll out (like T did on her first night on a big girl bed.)

The funny thing is, I didn't even realize that the day I put Little K in his crib for the last time that it was the last time! We started talking about it and bam! it was in the house. (I didn't even have bedding ready for him, so he gets a mish-mash until we get some together. ) It wasn't until I was taking all his crib bedding out that I got misty eyed. Don't get me wrong, I love where he is right now, he is so smart and funny and OPINIONATED. But I don't know if I will be using the crib ever again. We have had a crib in the house for 4 1/2 years now. It seems weird to let it go.

So far it has been great. Little K cannot wait to get into bed and is so happy just hanging out and reading stories in it. It hasn't cured him of his waking up at night, but at least if I need to, I can lie down by him and be comfy too.

Little K with his buddies Duck, Monkey and Bunny.

Thankful Tree

On Thanksgiving, I decided that we should do some type of fun activity together.  Pinterest gives so many good ideas, but I was a little on overload, so it had to be easy and quick. I saw some packing materials by my desk and thought, that would make a good tree trunk! I cut out a bunch of leaves and we sat as a family to put together our thankful tree.

It was a great experience for our family. T really got into it and wanted me to write long paragraphs and stories about being thankful, (I did some editing,) but I was pleasantly pleased at how much she understands. I recently read a book called The Entitlement Trap and one of the points talks about family traditions and how important they are to having a close family. It also encourages recording them all in a Family Book, so every month the kids can see what will happen and get excited. This is FOR SURE going in.

Our Thankful Tree lasted longer than our Christmas tree. I loved having the reminder there all the time as I walked past the back door. Recently, I decided it was time to move on. I wanted to remember what we wrote, so as I pulled the leaves down I recorded the list.

Dancing
Being Thankful
Monkey (Little K's stuffed monkey)
Treats
Sleep
Fruits and Veggies
Prayers
Kai
Tessa's Love
Good Health
Crafts Together
Holidays
Birthday Parties
Having Fun with You!
Love
Work
Home
Things that Make Me Laugh (cat videos)
Being Kind
Feeling Happy and Having Fun
Grandmas and Grandpas
"Loves" (Hugs & Kisses)
Our Family
Milk
Friends


Pretty simple, but oh so sweet.  Thanks, Thankful Tree!

On new beginnings

This New Year has come to me as a slow breeze, gently tugging at me, waking me, refreshing me. Lost to me this New Year's Eve was that desperate frenzied need to make the moment significant. Gone, gone the pressure to resolve to make my life better this year in this moment or all is lost.

I think I feel this way in part because I have already lost. Lost more than I expected to loose. More than I thought I was ready for. Honestly, my New Year began in September. Loosing Mom woke me up, tore me down, and gave the opportunity to choose. Where will I go from this moment? What path will I follow? Will I follow the anger, let that discontent push me further away from those I love, the things I really should treasure?

And Lord knows, it's not easy to choose. I have been tempted to lie in wait and not pick a path at all. But now, even typing that causes me anxiety because that is no longer me. Life is too precious to stand idly by. I have done too much of that already.

In so many ways I feel like a toddler seeing other people walk through their lives and imitating the actions. I am feeling some muscles start to be used that have atrophied, realizing that it's going to take some work to get to a more healthy and whole place. But you know what, I feel a calm energy pushing me to try.

And I am so grateful. It has become clearer how abundantly blessed I am. I find it brings me peace to acknowledge it daily. Because I am, I AM blessed. I know that God is there just as much as I know that Mom is still there. I know that he loves me. He loves you too. Do you feel that knowledge ache like I sometimes do?

So, as a moment that we collectively celebrate, the passing of the old into beginning of the new, I quietly add my gratefulness for endings and new beginnings. To not sitting idly by. To doing whatever it takes to move you, lift you, surround you with peace and love. And could I just recommend a small start? Say a prayer, let listing your blessings refresh you, laying your burdens at His feet release you and finding your way free you.

And if you need a friend, I pray He will help me to find you, because I need them too.

I love you,

Z

P.s. Happy Birthday Mom. You know this, but you are on my thankful list every day. And I am wearing the slippers I bought for you to celebrate.