A little of this, a little of that

The past few days have been a struggle for me -- probably no different from any parent, and especially those with small children.  I think we're all doing our best to avoid the news, feeling upset when we fail and read or see something that reminds us again where this sick feeling is seated, and doing our best to savor more hugs, spend more time stretching out the bedtime routine and working to be more patient when we might normally be short with our kids.  Personally, I'm trying to be more conscious of letting the little things go and being more aware of the many things that make me happy throughout the day.  I hope this commitment to finding joy isn't a passing thing.  I hope it lasts.  I hope tomorrow feels better.

In the spirit of finding joy, we finally found some time for Henry to open birthday gifts from last month.  (Shh.  He'll never know.)

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More joy...golden hour in the cul-de-sac.

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Wes continues to move things along at the new house -- we are racking up favors with Rocket and Papaw more quickly than we could ever repay them, too.

Ceilings are being scraped and walls are being mudded...Ella's room is also closer now to a big window vs. a door to a balcony. 

Ceilings are being scraped and walls are being mudded...Ella's room is also closer now to a big window vs. a door to a balcony. 

Henry is wondering why he doesn't get to crawl around just yet.  (Super cool knit hat courtesy of Nana's birthday gift to him.)

Henry is wondering why he doesn't get to crawl around just yet.  (Super cool knit hat courtesy of Nana's birthday gift to him.)

The house is turning white, as well, which makes us happy.  One step closer to being "home."

The house is turning white, as well, which makes us happy.  One step closer to being "home."

This weekend, inspired by a broken hand-shaped Santa, the kids made dough ornaments.

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Yes, his shirt is on backwards, and yes, he wants it that way.  We've stopped asking.  :)

Yes, his shirt is on backwards, and yes, he wants it that way.  We've stopped asking.  :)

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Henry wasn't a lot of help with shaping and painting, but he was a good cheerleader.

Henry wasn't a lot of help with shaping and painting, but he was a good cheerleader.

Go Colts.

Go Colts.