One Balanced Life

Day 23: A Drive
The kids and I took a little drive to the airport to pick up daddy (who has been gone for 13 days and 16 hours)! Along the way I discovered something else that draws me to this place, the lack of development. As I hit New Hampshire as the traffic signs, stores, fast food increased so did my irritation. After almost three weeks in the country I admit I was a little overwhelmed and I further annoyed myself by going to a mall with the time we had to kill before the flight arrived. Not sure what do with this as I'll be plunged back into life in the city in a week or so. Any thoughts?

Day 22: The Sun
Tomorrow, my husband and in-laws return. Although it has been a titch challenging at times I am grateful for the the last 4 days I've been able to spend here with my little ones alone. The sun came out today. Yeah! We spent the day outside playing in the mud and water and eating our meals on the porch. We put on long pants and hiked through the meadow to the bottom of the property which the kids loved. They had pails to collect things they discovered, although I ended up carrying one or the other most of the time (update: one discovered poison ivy too). And the boys scampered out of their clothes to take a bath in our makeshift tub at the end of the day. What a great reminder to go with the flow.

Day 21: Rain
Rain, rain, rain. We made the most of it and went to a Farmer's Market where we go the hugest head of organic lettuce for $2 (see picture below).

Day 20: Bedtime
Grateful to have both kids in bed and asleep by 7:15.

Day 19: Alone with the Stars
Tonight was a beautiful clear night and I convinced myself that it was safe to be outside. I say it somewhat jokingly but I have been a little anxious being here by myself. Although intellectually I know I'm probably safer here than the city I'm am still testing the edges of my comfort zone. So tonight I sat alone on the deck enjoyed a bowlful of stars.

Day 18: Unexpected Solitude (well, sorta)
As my in-laws left today I am facing four days of solitude, well sorta - I still have my two boys to take care of. I spent the day moving slow and enjoying time alone with boys. Although unexpected I am grateful for the opportunity to spend some time just the three of us.

Day 17: Breakdown
This morning I woke up feeling frazzled, vulnerable, and a little rough around the edges. Also had a little pity-party for myself as my brother-in-law came up to join us and was acutely aware of the absence of my husband. Realize how hard it can be to co-parent with others...different styles, neither right or wrong but started to feel like I was parenting under a microscope. Since I was feeling so "on edge" I took the boys into town to go to the farmer's market, library, and for a little walk. As we passed a museum my older one said lets go in and explore and of course thought to myself..."I can't handle this today." But I paused, took a breath, laid down the rules, and said okay. They behaved wonderfully and had a blast. The diversion was just what we (and I needed). Was able to return with a fresh perspective. So easy to forget I am responsible to my children but no responsible for them. And so easy to forget their behavior isn't a reflection on me. They truly are their own beings and my job is really to guide them on their journeys.

Day 16: Nature
"Adopt the pace of nature: Her secret is patience." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Day 15: Beach
Grateful for:
An beautiful afternoon at beach building sand castles, filling moats, and tiring the children out!

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