Joining SouleMama today for this moment.

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

We had lots of fun celebrating a five-year-old this weekend.

Although I already shared birthday wishes on the big day I couldn’t resist posting a quick peek at some of the fun, festivities and birthday traditions.

Breakfast smoothie.

Everyone’s favourite special breakfast, crepes by Daddy.

A favourite gift.

Dapper fellow sporting some new duds – shirt from a grandma and grandpa, thrifted sweater from Auntie and a mommy-made bow tie (tutorial here).

Lemon layer cake whose layers really wanted to slide apart.

And many happy wishes.

Thanks for all the birthday greetings last week – Liam was very pleased to receive them.

There was a day this week when things were not going smoothly for me. I went to bed the night before with a to-do list as long as my arm and woke feeling pressured and anxious before stepping out of bed. If the start of the day was bumpy, the rest of it was downright rocky.

Nothing was getting done as I’d hoped, new to-dos were springing up at every turn, the house was a disaster and I was brimming with complaints. I don’t know what was going on with me that day but I felt like I was under attack. Peace and gratitude were not in the picture.

Then I read this post at exactly the right moment (thanks, Lisa). I paused in my frantic rushing and looked around with grateful eyes. I picked up my camera and took pictures of the mess and realities that speak loudly of the blessed life I live.

It’s not pretty but it is the truth – at some times a little harder to take than at others. I have no desire to show all our messes here – and I’m sure you’d rather not see them. But in the name of gratitude and truthfulness I’ve decided to post a little piece of reality here once a week. Likely just a single picture. And although I feel like I’m sounding a little lofty here, I’d like to add that I am doing this first and foremost for me because the reality is what so often makes this life beautiful and I hate to forget that.

I don’t know how long I’ll keep going with it but if you’d like to join me post a link or comment below. We all know that reality can be harsh but we’re in this together right?

Today I’m thankful for the signs of spring across my floor, a door that does its best to keep the weather out and the sunlight the streams through.

Wishing you a week ahead full of peace, love, blessing and gratitude.

Joining SouleMama today for this moment.

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

I’m cheating by adding words but I had to say that he’s not angry just loves this silly face – and I do, too.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Liam!

Turning five is a big milestone. Babyhood remains only in memories and boyhood looms ahead. In some ways it seems hard to believe that this crazy, joyful, gentle child is only turning five but in the same thought hard to believe five years have passed since he entered this family. Such a spark, such adventure, such energy, laughter and, uh, lunacy this precious boy has brought into our life.

Gentleness is a trait I greatly admire and I love the measure I see of it in this beloved boy. His speed (and volume) are set a little higher than the rest of us but he’ll still slow down for a book, a snuggle or to care for a sibling. I have never heard an unkind word pass this boy’s lips. He is thoughtful and sweet. He will notice your new hair cut, new sweater or new recipe and compliment you on it with no realization that he is absolutely charming.

The kid practically has me swooning some days when he notices I brushed my hair!

He’s a treasure.

And a keeper.

And we all hope he stays this way forever.

Is that too much to ask?