the present moment // picnics, bowling, and some funk

lately // I lay in bed, take in some snuggles, and slowly mosey my way to the kitchen to feed my little guys. Windows get opened on my way to the kitchen. There's a path. I take it daily. Sometimes my oldest helps with the let's-let-some-light-in path and sometimes I get the pleasure. Both make me happy.

One foot in front of the other.

Toaster waffles. Juice. Eggs with some Louisiana hot sauce and avocado for mama. Bacon on days where time is our friend. We sit. We eat. They're silly and I soak it up.

There's grace in each step.

I know there is. Because even though I feel a slowness in my soul, there is a Presence that briskly helps us find our rhythm. We fall into it. As often as we can because there's a good peace there. The one you want to swim in. 

We leave the breakfast nook. They turn to play (on good days this involves minimal fighting and lots of cooperative togetherness). I heart the latter but see the fruit in the former.

I call them to the table. We do school. Slowly and sweetly. Often with little resistance. They're at that age. Everything new is exciting and time together is good time.

One foot in front of the other.

Play clothes and toys for outdoor time follow quickly and naturally. 

These days have been cool. They've been filled with sunshine and sweet temperatures. Breezes and falling leaves. A welcome change here in Texas. We each soak it up as much as possible because it truly helps us experience Him. Whether we are cognizant of it all or not. 

They play. I watch. I read. I check my Insta-feed or read an article. Off they go, running and exploring. Off they go, bickering and fussing. It just depends on the day.

One foot in front of the other.

Hands are washed. Lunch is served. Prayers are said and tummies are filled. Onto reading time before naps.

Favorites are read. Eyes are heavy. They make their last scramble and off they go. 

One foot in front of the other.

Any given day that we are home, this little rhythm of ours can be found. Sometimes in this exact order and sometimes not. Some days there is just a need to mix it up. But lately there's been a heaviness in me that I've felt before.

But on I go - one foot in front of the other.

This mama has been feeling pretty weary. Life is catching up. I'm trying to stand still but it just keeps on spinning on. All day. Every day. Spinning. Spinning. Spinning. 

I try to quiet my little soul and more often than not fail miserably. It's a sweet place that I stay away from longer than I care for. The little place where I know I can find Him. In that stillness of mind, heart, and soul. In His Words or in His Presence. That little place. 

I know in time, things will calm. I know they will because they always do. Maybe not entirely, which is okay. But calm always comes. 

Till that time, I'll try to be present to my place of weariness. Of struggle. Because it's always in this place, as time keeps spinning on, that I can look back and see how far I've come. See how much I've grown. See how much I've learned. It's always in these times that He somehow meets me, whether I know it or not. Whether I actively seek Him or not. It's always here.

One foot in front of the other.

“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” 

― Francis of Assisi

today // We threw in a picnic to change things up a bit. We've stayed indoors today to make sure our youngest is feeling better after having some tummy troubles last night.

Also, since this is taken from different angles, I'll share it with Micaela over at California to Korea. She's hosting Theme Thursday's now and this week's theme is same photo, different angle.

in the kitchen // A super amazing neighbor shared a meal with us yesterday. I couldn't be more thankful! I ended up adding some crockpot shredded chicken to her Curry Chili and we all agreed it was absolutely delicious!

Today, we'll be eating turkey burgers with some fixings (avocado, pickles, tomatoes, etc), sweet potato fries, a salad, and maybe the little chili we have leftover will get poured onto our burgers for fun.

looking forward to // All Saint's day! I know the boys are so excited about it this year. They both want to be St. George and we found some fun stuff for them to enjoy. 

At first all my heart wanted to do was sew all the things, but time and energy just have not been on my side! I still have yet to make these boys their much wanted blankets! Si Dios quiere, with time and energy, the fun will happen.

precious p update // this sweet little one is becoming quite the little soccer player. I mean...Ow! But, I'll take it. I love the reminder of the sweet little life within. 

Also, what's made my heart absolutely swell today is Precious P had his/her first round of hiccups. There's something about the hiccups that I just adore. I've felt hiccups twice today and made sure to stop everything and just enjoy my little one developing his/her lungs.

For the most part, all complications have passed. New little things have popped up here or there, but all seem manageable come our cesarean, which is better than anything being immediate or urgent. We'll be meeting with the fetal specialist on Friday and I suspect the follow-up will be good. 

praying // Feels like not enough but there are certain intentions that are always on my heart. I see so much going on in the world  and around me that I'm always quick to say a Hail Mary or Glory be, depending on what I see.

Little aspirations escape my breath all throughout the day. 

Family often comes to my heart - near and far. Friends and their intentions. The bigger and littler things that happen on the daily. 

And for grace. Always grace. For His Peace. For His Strength. For His Good and Holy Will.

Last, the Litany of Humility just isn't said in full enough. I really want it to become part of my daily morning routine. I know my days would look differently. So we'll chalk this one up to my I'm-working-on-it department.

captured // My little guys having their first bowl! A dear friend had us join their family to celebrate their son's birthday. The boys were absolutely thrilled even if they sported their deer-in-headlight faces for the first 15 minutes.

favorite scripture from today's readings //

"Brothers and sisters:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."

Ephesians 2: 19-22

thankful for //  All who have been journeying along this little life of mine, with me. Thankful for this very beautiful Mystical Body of Christ that is always reminding me of His good and perfect Love and showing me His lovely and kind Face.

all in all // We're good. Moving forward and onward, slowly but surely. Life has caught up to me, but I know there is some goodness amidst this funk. Especially on days like today. On days like today, there really is such evidence of His Grace and Goodness sharing with us a little light that gives such a warmth, I know all will be well.