Because we're happy (like a room without a roof)

Good morning and afternoon and evening!  

Folks, we are happy, happy around here today.  In fact, I've been waiting for this day all week long.  Not because it's Friday (although that's good too) but because warmer temps and the bright sun showed up and word on the street is they don't plan on packing up 'till next week maybe.

 In other words, we've been set free from the cage of "stuck inside".  Can I get a hallelujah?!  And throw in an AMEN while you're at it.  I have all kinds of little ideas, posts, and photos to share with you but today is worth stopping for and just remembering exactly how it is.  Messy, imperfect, perfect. Anna Ruth and I started the morning off together.  We snuck into the kitchen and made pancakes.  (Gasp-the internet wouldn't work so we even had a little lesson on cookbook indexes to find a recipe).  She, of course, entertained me with adorable conversation.  

 Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.  I had a waffle with natural peanut butter and real maple syrup.  It was divine.  In fact, maybe I'll have another sometime this weekend…That is my favorite waffle combination..throw in a few cups of almost black coffee. Whoa. 

 As I started the morning chores the good 'ol negative energy that likes to show up in the winter decided to rear its ugly head.  We just don't do well living inside all the time!  We are not couch-sitting types of people.  Give me the garden, river, lake, and cows any 'ol day.  I held the girls off as long as I could then gave them the "go ahead!" to get ready for outside.  Boots and coats went on over pi's and off we went.

 Anna Ruth frequently asks to do "Messy kitchen play" so that was first on our priority list.  

 She even baked me a delicious cake.  Outdoor cafe? Yes, please.

 Us Torbett girls sure know how to roam.  We delight in a whole lot of fun out of a little bit of nothing. I don't see it as boredom at all, but rather a challenge.  How much fun can we have today with nothing obvious in sight to play with? I love that kind of thinking.  We ventured off on a "nature walk"..which is kind of a funny thing to say considering we live on a farm so everywhere is nature!  

 What goodies we found!  I teach the girls there are always treasures to be found, if you only look close enough.  Yes, even when the color scheme outdoors is dull brown and gray.  I adore the lacy pattern on these leaves...

 and the bright green moss and dried flowers and plants we discovered.  So much texture!  

 We decided today would also be a good time to pull out one of our Christmas presents, the microscope!  Bound to make almost anything more interesting.  Betsy Grace didn't quite grasp the concept no matter how many times I showed her and ended up using them like glasses.  

 I was so proud when Anna Ruth excitedly squealed and showed me a bird's nest!  Sometimes it feels like I'm doing such a bad job parenting, to be honest.  But then I hear my girls appreciating God's nature or saying "Mama-look at the sky", or mimicking a bird.  And I think to myself, I must be doing all-right.  Does that make sense to anybody?

 Once we came in for lunch, the day got even better!  My neighbor friend texted and asked if she could come over.  After assuring her she was welcome any time, she and I got to visit while the girls ate lunch and watched cartoons.  Isn't it something when you have a friend who doesn't  notice your makeup free face, your messy hair and house?  

It's heaven on earth, that's what it is.  

 I am learning lately how I often trade the cheaper, less quality of things in life for the best and suffer for it.  And I suppose I don't really mean "things" at all.  Like not inviting people over because I'm admittedly tired and my house doesn't look the cleanest leaves me feeling empty and lonely.  I'd much rather have a house full and just be myself.  That leaves my cup full and overflowing.  Some of the most tired people I know are the ones trying to be it all, do it all, and look perfect along the way. I can say that because I've been there too. 

Today, standing among the messy floor, in my regular mom clothes chatting with one of my best friends….I felt happy.  Like a room without a roof.  And real.

 Of course today has also included a bit of art.  I've been trying to stay disciplined about getting up before the girls and enjoying some time in the studio.  This mornings task was to tidy up!  I just finished a painting I love and have many ideas for blog posts, retreats, activities with my girls, etc…so I needed a blank space (well, sorta) to let those things grow in. 

 I'm just loving how the background paper is looking on my counter! 

 What a nice little treat today has been! Gimme all the sunshine and outdoors my body can hold.  The girls (and Brett) and I plan on spending hours and hours outdoors this weekend. Glorifying God and thanking him for a bit of a break from being stuck indoors (which we do try to make the most of…but we're happy to be free for a few days).

 I have all kinds of artsy stuff in mind, but lately I've been reminding myself of Momastery's blog post recently…that we are enough, we have enough, there is enough.  Meaning, pausing to rest or fill back up with ideas and inspiration doesn't mean we're missing out or losing opportunities or going too slow.  Believe there is enough.  That God is our provider.  That He brings opportunities and jobs and ideas….they aren't snatched away because we needed a pause.  I remind myself that I'm a real human being on this side of the computer.  That it's ok to need real life self care…real good dates, a nap, art journal time galore.  

And so, that's just what I plan on giving myself permission to do.  

I've had an army of fillings and a crown put on this week (don't ask) so a bit of a toothache is causing me to remember…rest my child, just rest.   

Here's to being happy, like a room without a roof this weekend. 

GO,

play,

laugh and giggle and snort,

take a bath,

read a book,

draw,

say something,

say nothing,

dance,

listen to goooood music,

eat a plate of really great food,

ease up on yourself,

invite grace and goodness in,

tell perfectionism to leave,

thank God,

linger,

go slow,

watch Parenthood,

notice the light,

light a candle,

take a photo of something that delights you,

be kind.

here.