Dancing in the kitchen

Spring is the time for front-porch-sitting, sunshine-soaking, and idyllic photography. It's so easy to be happy during springtime!

Journal excerpt from Thursday, March 21, 2019:

Amber and I danced around the kitchen while eating PBJ today, because crumbs are going to scatter whether we dance or not, so we may as well dance. That was my Instagram caption-turned profound thought for the day. It's fascinating how sometimes new thoughts flow through my fingers before I even realize that I'm thinking them.

I let go of responsibility as much as possible today and did a lot of playing with the kids. Amber and I jumped on the trampoline and then rocked in our front porch rocking chairs, reading books in companionable silence, while the neighbors' roosters cawed and crowed in the background. When Jay and Rose got home, after they finished their homework, we all went outside and jumped on the trampoline together. It was warm and sunny and happy. It was so sweet how glad my kids were to have me with them while they played. They showed me all their moves and tricks on the trampoline, and we goofed around and just played in the sunshine for an hour. I felt quite relaxed and peaceful afterwards. I think my kids are less overwhelming in the great outdoors. The kids had some computer time for about half an hour while I made a quick dinner, then Jeff got home and we ate and talked about nourishing the seed of our faith "with great care." It was a simple happy family evening.

Black and white makes it look more artistic than it is. I propped my cell phone on a shelf, started the ten second timer, grabbed Amber's hands, and started dancing. It totally worked though and I will treasure this picture into my old age, even if my head is half cut off. We'll call it artistic cropping.

PBJ: lunch of champions.

I take back everything I said about Amber not liking to listen to stories. The minute I said it, she did a 180 and has been badgering me to read stories ever since. Typical.

She dressed herself.

We like to sit on the porch rockers and read.

Running laps around the driveway while Amber plays on the trampoline: a favorite way to exercise with a child at home.

Amber was reunited with her long-lost friend at last: DIRT.

Less-favorite way to exercise with a child in tow: pushing the stroller on the bike path. At least I had an audiobook.

Homework: Amber joined the school kids at the table with her watercolors.

Our kitchen table is part desk, office, art studio, dining area, and library.

Who knew a Thursday could be so wonderful?

We are still a little bit giddy about springtime.

It's always a risk to lie down on the trampoline--glasses bumped.

Wispy static hair twins.

Rose snuggling up, Amber trying to jump over our legs, me trying to be present without getting smothered by my children: three personalities in a nutshell.