Teacups and tepees

The slower pace of today was a welcome change for everyone after several very busy weeks and more on the horizon.

Today, I was reminded by my daughter that it is at this slower more deliberate pace which I will create and cherish memories of her childhood. When my children are grown and juggling with their own families schedules it will be the quiet times that I remember fondly.

Today it was a tea party with the "fancy" cups under cover of the tepee santa brought two years ago that she shared once again the joy of childhood with me.

Today I am thankful for rainy days, teacups and tepees, but mostly the gift of family and the time we have together.

To childhood

This week has been tragic, sad and horrible. My son is in the second grade, and daily I am amazed at what he knows, can do, or is curious about. It seems like just yesterday he was brand new. This week he and his classmates were forced to deal with something I believe no child should have to deal with...the death of a friend and classmate.

As a parent, I want to shelter, protect and keep my children's innocence from all of the stuff adults have to deal with or know about. I want to build their dreams, encourage their hopes and make them believe anything and everything is possible.

I never imagined explaining the death of a friend to my child. Death of an elderly loved one, sure, not easy, but expected.

It has been a long week, a difficult week, a heartbreaking week, and yet still life goes on.

I am thankful now more than ever for my children's school, for the supportive community and amazing teachers. I am thankful that my son is still to young to fully understand the sadness of the loss, and that he has the faith and innocence of a child. I am thankful that he has faith in a greater purpose and something after this world.

To childhood...the sweetness, the simplicity, the beauty. I wish we could all hold on to it just a little longer.

Blessed!

As the rush of the season comes to an end and the cold of winter begins to arrive, I am taking a moment to pause, enjoy, celebrate a little longer with those that I love. If there were only room for one word to describe the last few days I would have to say ...blessed. I am blessed daily by a family who loves me, parents who still encourage and guide me, a husband who supports me, understands me and helps me to grow, and children who bring joy and a little bit of mischief to our lives. Blessed, that we have more than we need, can give our children things that they want, and we do not have to stress over either.

Wishing you a blessed new year surrounded by those who love and support you through this journey of life!

Traditions at Home

When I got married the holidays were an interesting time to really learn about each other. Some years we managed with more grace than others, a few I'll just say we survived and were glad to get passed. It's taken some give and take through the years to bring together some of the traditions we each grew up with and add new ones of our own.

Each year our children get two ornaments. The first they paint at a local paint your own pottery store.



The second we purchase for the to signify something special in their lives, a milestone of sorts that occurred in the last year.


This one from the year we learned my daughter has severe peanut and tree nut allergies.


In addition to these there are ornaments that hold a special memory for my husband and I.

On our first date nearly fifteen years ago, we went ice skating.

Every year as we unpack and set up our tree it is like revisiting all the special things we have shared or done as a family.

In addition to the ornaments, each year my children make handprints. Paint on a wooden board. It's just a small way to remind myself of how quickly time passes, and track their growth over the years.

One week

This is by far my favorite time of the Christmas season. The shopping, rushing around to get everything purchased, wrapped, organized, etc is finished. The kids are out of school. It is now just time to rest, be together as a family and enjoy these moments. I am reminded, as I was watch my children, of the magic of Christmas, struggle a little to focus on the true meaning of Christmas joy when so often the focus shifts to the secular, and strive to remember as many of the details as I can because I know before too long my children will be older and a little of the magic may fade.

We spend a lot of time listening to Christmas music, singing, dancing, and baking. My favorite memories of this season are in the kitchen with family. I love the smells, the little hands helping, and I even manage to tolerate the mess!

I encourage you to spend a little more time slowing down, cherishing the moments, making real memories, and documenting them in some way.

Here at Mapleton Drive

This blog is inspired by my friends and family who have inspired my outlook on life, helped me through the challenges, and sometimes poked fun at my usually optimistic outlook on life. With any luck I'm remember to stick to it, to post about the good things that I want to remember when the kids are grown and the house is quiet.