The bus doors opened and so did my tear ducts. I didn’t think I’d be “that” Mom that welled up with emotion. But, I did, and so it was…our days changed forever.

Ryan and his buddy Mason.

Claire and Leah, with their Little People bus, came out to wave bye-bye.

Ryan’s first day of afternoon Kindergarten.

sigh, I’m so proud!

Love,

Jess M.

Hi. I have just a second. Enough time to scrawl out a quick hello.

Hello future self. Remember, this moment?

When the Kindergarten bus was due in 20 minutes, Papa Den took Molly to the grocery store to pick up frozen lasagna and at least one baby was crying out a mamamamahhh from up stairs.

Think back to the guilt you felt, when you wished the time would pass more quickly. Think back to the joy you felt when all 4 little ones were clamoring on your lap at once. Think back if you can…

Ah future self, what are you doing now? Do your clothes ever get folded? Does anyone, but you, know where the strainer is? I don’t even want to ask what color your hair is!

What words would you speak to me at 31? Would be words of encouragement or words of direction? Maybe both.

Well, I just had a second. So, hi.

Love,

Jess

Dear Daughters,

I’m sorry I don’t have baby books for you all. I have loved your milky grins, curly-q hair and sparkling eyes. I’ve endured sleepless nights, potty training and baby proofing.

You are each very, very loved. Molly, Claire and Leah. So loved, really, even without the baby book, you are loved.

Here a just a few snapshots that will give you insight as to why you don’t have baby books.

Life is survival around here. I’ve spend a lot of energy just trying to give you a tomorrow, let alone write stuff down for you to remember tomorrow!

Eat or be eaten (by a giant dragon or get “hair-clipped” during a Sunday afternoon snooze.)

Love,

Jess

Family: Where Your Story Begins

I feel like I am a gardener that grows kids.

I plant their seeds (pregnancy), tend to their needs (water, sun & fruit snacks), and remove the weeds (teaching manners and gratitude and expecting nothing less).

I relish in their growth. I see beauty and take joy in their accomplishments. I could get lost in their fullness and diversity.

I get worried when I see patterns of drought and slugs. Meaning of course, too much TV, too many sibling arguments and too many reminders of common courtesy flown around with a crabby mama voice. (not really courteous!)

Unlike a garden plot, my little kids will only be perennials for a limited time. They’ll be pruned and carried through the winter months with loving hands. But soon enough they’ll be packing the back of the van with their dorm gear.

Off to find their own soil, sun and well….maybe they’ll come home for the fruit snacks.

Top: Jess & Pete, Bottom: Ryan, Claire, Leah and Molly

Okay is your throat all tight too? Ryan is starting Kindergarten tomorrow.

Breath…live in the now! More proof that time flies! Toddler Ryan slurping up soup!

Love,

Jess

Centsational Girl hosted a, Where Do You Blog?, link party.

Since, I’ve been meaning to show you my office space for awhile, I am happily joining up with the party.

Remember this empty space next to the attic entry?

It became a play room, until…

…a few additions later, it became my office!

Here are a couple of close up shots.

Never fear the little ones took over the “big” bedroom when the twins came last Fall. Their play space has been reinvented. More on that later!

Thanks for stopping by to check out where all the Just a Blink magic happens!

Love,
Jess

Just thought you should know.

Love,
Jess

(Leah, Claire, Molly)

The kitchen: it is truly the heart of my home.

Love,

Jess

I’ve been searching for the perfect remedy for clutter, a balance in work & parenthood, and the answer for how God works in my life. Project after project, prayer after prayer, plan after plan..searching.

But, simplicity found me. Or maybe, it was there all along and I just opened my eyes to see it standing under my nose.

I have come to find simplicity means something different to everyone. How to do you view “simplicity”?

Sewing your own clothes or buying the latest fashions off the rack? Paying bills online or sending them in the mail with, gasp, a stamp? Using all home grown organics or shopping with a grocery delivery service?

My simplicity is this: I live in a complex world in failing body with a forgiven soul. I have a dynamic family, a creative bug and a gift for loving my kids. I think of gratitude, hope for grace and a linger in peace (even in the orchestrated chaos that is the current state of my family).

My projects, prayers and plans can all change. There is no formula. Seek simplicity, look to God, and be grateful for what challenges you and what gives you peace.

Love,

Jess

Proverbs 31: 17b

Her arms are strong for her tasks. 

As most of you know, I am over 2/3s the way through a 90 day exercise program. I wrote about why in a previous post.

My blog, furniture projects and TV watching have all taken a bit of a backseat to my fitness routine. Let me roll your eyes for you, haha!

But, truly my time is getting zapped up doing things like the photo below.

I can’t believe I’m posting this photo! What a shot…leave it to a husband!

I thought about not publishing this post due to my rear in the air and all. But, Molly’s cuteness factor over powered my insecurities. Look at her tiny downward dog yoga pose. Awwww!

Love,

Jess

Took the Long Way Home

Driving with the windows down

In thoughtful daydream

Summer sunset in my mirror

Chasing long gone memories

Took the long way home

Wind whipping around my hair

Cool speed of evening’s first call

Pink and Gold and Blue

Happy freedom in my heart

Love,

Jess