snow in march

 I really have nothing amusing to write.

I'm sorry.

However, I can say that it snowed yesterday. on the 21st of March. It was beautiful.

-I got my eyes checked at costco. all is well. 

-a new month starts in one week. praise God that a new budget starts then too.

also, Jack is teething like nobodies buisness. 

this is how his face often looks.

because i take away his binky.

Also, I can say that I watched a really great movie over the weekend. John was working on an auto review which meant I got to pick the movie without wondering if he'd like it too. (that can be a sore subject that may or may not result in one of us plucking away on our iphones while the movie rolls.) without cable, we are limited, and without cable, we can choose the shows/and or movies that we watch. Sometimes, it's a battle of whoever gets there first.

The movie was "then she found me." It had Helen Hunt, Colin Firth and Bette Midler. It started out a little rough, but it was good. really good. and Helen Hunt directed and starred in it and she did an amazing job. 

my parents and sister came up for a little visit over the weekend. my mom and i made a grand lunch (okay, mostly my mom) and we ate it while jack napped. it was lovely.

I guess I can always find something to say.

The birds are chirping, spring has returned and I'm off to enjoy the last couple of jelly beans.

p.s. my current fav iphone apps : 

. instagram.

. pandora .

.facebook.

.pocketbooth.

.shake it photo.

experiencing joy and spring

Two of my windows are open and it is glorious outside. The sun is warm, but not too hot and the breeze is cool, but not too cold. I was told today that Prescott is the number #2 place for the worst allergies in the U.S. Poor souls with allergies. My man is included in that. For those of us who are allergy-less, it is a dream come true. All we need now is a slip-n-slide and a sandbox!

We spent Sunday evening and Monday in P-Town. My mom and sister are on spring break and we retreated down the mountain to embrace warmer weather (88 in March just doesn't seem right, I might add though.) and time with the family. We sat on the back porch for almost every meal and watched Jack run around table and onto the grass. He was experiencing pure bliss, that one. And not once did he say choo-choo for Thomas. Well, he does have his own little push train down there anyway. We shared lots of laughter, updated on news and watched some pointless tv shows (I am glad we got rid of cable. As entertaining as they are.)

 

Watching the trains pass, Jack was so captivated. His focus was on the little steam engine that went in great circles around us.

My focus was on these. Just kidding. Kind of.

A boy with his grandpa.

 On Monday morning my sister, mom, Jack and I headed over to the zoo. It was packed. Like Disneyland packed. Like, let's get out of here kind of packed. You can tell who grew up in small towns when they see the crowd and say, "Oh man. This is ridiculous. Let's do it another day." And we were one of those people. Instead, we fed the ducks chased pigeons.

Better yet, we went to the train park for a picnic on Sunday night. The weather couldn't have been better. John was almost as excited as Jack and we saw the coolest miniature train set. 


I can't even express how thankful I am for spring. I tend to let my moods follow the weather. Some days are good for a solemn overcast and dreary day, but when the sun is out you can't help but smile. Maybe Jesus knew that when he put me in Arizona. Too much cold, cloudy weather does this girl no good. I believe it's speeding the healing process and drawing our hearts nearer to Him. We're planting some vegetables this week and they will be ready in just a few months time. Maybe we'll be ready to try again then too. 



The only debby downer of the day is that Jack has a fever. My poor little goose. I had so many things planned for this week, but when a kiddo gets sick the play dates have to come to an unfortunate hault. Hopefully he feels better soon. For his sake, of course. 


I'm also anxious for the newest Office episode. Don't judge me, but last week I had a dream about Michael Scott and the very next night I had a dream about Jim. I think my mind is Office-deprived. And to just think it's almost over. 


In other news, John and I just started watching the (older)tv series Six Feet Under. Mostly because of my brother's recommendation. Somehow, it connects us through all these miles.

window into a person

I just can't help myself.

I love going through old pictures. In fact, I love going through other people's pictures too. It's a window into their person. Their life and memories. It's like watching a movie and one where you don't know what happens, but you get to see fragments of it. Kind of like a good movie trailer. 

John's mama gave us a bunch of family pictures and I am having a blast going through them. Lots of laughter and explain-what's-going-on here questions are shared. I think John likes it too. More of those to come.

I found this one a few weeks ago while at my parent's house. It captures that moment in time so well. Each of us in our own awkward stage (except for my cute little sister Maggie) and each one of us growing and changing. We were celebrating my sister's 2nd birthday. We have some great siblings dynamics. I love them a whole lot.





And I am so glad I don't wear jeans like that anymore. Or pose like that any more...oh wait. I was such a little wannabe diva. My brothers thought I was the most annoying person on this earth. My sister adored me. I was in my own world and didn't even notice. Those were pre-glasses days and pre-puberty days too. Boy, if I wish I could that Mel a few things. for instance. do not play barbies when your older brother's friends are over. They will tease you. And also, don't ride your bike in a hurry, you will fly over the handlebars and dislocate your shoulder.

++

This week has brought with it much sunshine. I'm really going to try and be outside more before the heat comes a-blazin. I'm not much of a lover of the outdoors. I tend to enjoy feeling the sun more through the window. Since moving to Prescott (one of the most beautiful places on earth) and leaving the heat and crowded city of Phoenix, I feel like a new Mel is emerging. I want to embrace the warmth, the ground beneath my feet and the hills to climb and explore. Jack loves to be outside (takes after his dad on that one) and I have a feeling we will be spending a lot of time outside. And that's a good thing. And I shall join him. Perhaps with sunglasses and a good book in tow, but I will be there. 

On Monday we had clouds and tempting storms. It didn't rain but for a minute. I can't wait for monsoons. There's a summer bonus.

 

jack was so tired. Poor buddy.

uh-oh

Jack is kind of a binky-holic.

My fault?

Maybe.

My Goose has an ear infection. His second in his life and the poor boy just can't shake the pain. Thankfully, he's sleeping well at night, but during the day he is all fuss and whiners. He spends most the time in my arms or on the couch reading books. He loves himself a good book. Can't say I blame him.

While we were picking up his prescriptions at Fry's, Jack dropped a book he was reading (told you, he's addicted.) and out came those two little words I've been waiting for. "Uh-oh." and he starred at the floor. I smiled to the boy and reached down to pick up his book. The pharmacist was so tickled and laughed the whole way to retrieve the medicine.

He said it again and again since we got home and it cracks me up. Is he really at that stage already? I mean, he says 'mama' and 'dada' but this was the first word that is probably in my top-five-favorite-things-that-kid's say. Number 2? I love you, of course. My heart was full of happiness.

...

We saw a brief fall of winter snow yesterday. And when I say brief, I mean only about 3 minutes worth of snow fall. My heart sunk. I had greatly anticipated at least an inch. I woke up at 6:00am to go to the bathroom and opened my blinds to check and see if it had fallen. It hadn't. I was bummed and quickly snuggled back in bed.

I know everyone to the East of us is really hatin' the snow, but could you please send some our way? I'm sure California wouldn't mind a bit either. Just kidding.

learning to adjust.

In general, I'm not a planner. I don't enjoy strict or confining schedules. I do, however, enjoy routines and list making. I love the feeling of accomplishing a deep clean and a job well done. I enjoy attacking tasks like nobodies business, but I'm not a huge fan of planning for the future or writing out goals for the unseen. Rather, I enjoy dreaming. I enjoy imagining the future as if it's a good movie (perhaps starring Meryl Streep)accompanied by a great soundtrack (preferably by Thomas Newman.)

This is the first year of my life that I've chosen a word to set the souls of my feet to. I have thought about it, meant to do it, but never did it in years past, but this year is different. Most years the word is already predetermined. For instance, last year was the beginning of Jack's life. The year before was moving to Prescott and John's new job. The year before that we were newly married. The year before that we were engaged and about to get married. So on and so on. You get the idea. Anyway, this year the slate is bare and full of possibility. I find myself praying often for God's direction and leading. I also pray for a change in my life and heart that only He can do. 

I pray He teaches me how to adjust. I'm not good at change and am often found fighting it like crazy, but this year...this year I pray it's different. I long to be able to adjust to a change in plans. To adjust to new and different ways to handle conflict. Adjust to screaming babies. Adjust to the loss of friendships. Adjust to moving on. Adjust to new friendships and the season that they sometimes are. Adjust to John's busy schedule and let go of my selfish desire for more of his time than he has. Adjust to letting people down and learning to let go of their expectations on my people-pleasing nature. Adjust to being a mom who engages and loves graciously. Adjust and learn to parent the way Christ desires for me. Adjust to another kiddo someday. Adjust to change--to embrace the beauty of it because, although difficult, change is good. I pray He teaches me how to adjust to things I can't. To adjust with His help, direction and guidance.