Until tomorrow

I’m coming at you LIVE from the comforts of my bed, squished somewhere between a ticking comforter, two babies, and a blue-eyed cat that jumps on my laptop with every chance she gets.

It’s going to be short and sweet tonight because I have an aching feeling that I’m coming down with a little something and I’m afraid of it turning into a big something, putting a damper on my trick-or-treating plans. So I’m occupying myself with relaxing music, good books, and hot tea—just a few things a girl needs to heal and renew.

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend and basked in the warmth of tonight’s autumn evening glow.

I’ll return tomorrow with Dayquil in hand and a post about our weekend outings.

Much Love,

Em

Kicks & Bricks

It was an ordinary day, turned extraordinary.

The weekend started out like all others —I’m greeted by the strong fragrance of coffee wafting through the kitchen as heavy feet shuffled down the hallway, and the theme song from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” strummed through the air as my bunny and squirrel bobbed their heads in sync with the rhythm.

We usually shut ourselves off from the world during the weekend, but on this particular morning, I left my phone on, and sure enough…it rang. I hesitantly answered. 

Heeello?

Whatcha doing?

It was one my besties, Tabetha.

Nooothing?

You guys wanna meet up?

Yup!

Like there’s any convincing us to go. When the Swerts are involved, good times are sure to follow!

And a good time it was.

Quickie Background Story: Tabetha and I met 5/6 years ago while we were both stationed at Pope AFB, in North Carolina. Since then, they got out of the Air Force and moved to New York, while we were re-stationed at Elmendorf AFB, in Alaska. Now, 5 years later we’re both living in Oklahoma within 2 hours of each other.
 We clicked right away, like peanut butter and jelly.  We differ on religion and politics, but when it comes to parenting and family values, we’re the same, and that’s exactly what makes us tick.

Now back to the program…

We got our kicks on Route 66.

We first stopped at a cute little joint for lunch called, Pops. Pops was fully stocked --wall to wall, ceiling to floor-- with 100’s of flavored soda bottles in every color of the rainbow.

Swamp Juice anyone? It’s SODAsgusting!

As the heat died down and the sunrays mellowed out, we headed back towards OKC to check out the fun happenings in Bricktown. 

We’ve never been to Bricktown, so I was more than happy to be able to explore and discover this area of Oklahoma City with another fun-loving family.

The area was booming.

It reminded me of Downtown Anchorage during the summer. The streets were full of people, with music flowing from various buildings and street corners, and artists painting on sidewalks. The town was full of energy, and it was the first time in a longtime, that I felt 100% content --somewhere squeezed between my family and my bestie, with excitement surrounding us, that perhaps I’ve finally found my footing.

It felt like old times, where it was just us, just being, with friends and family, rolling with the punches, and enjoying one another in the moment. Because it’s in the little details, the small moments, and the quick flashes of time that we truly experience random specks of pure joy.  It’s what turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.

We lingered until our shadows grew long, and the sun bowed down to a pink glow, making way for the moon and stars.

We'll be back for more kicks and bricks... and if we're lucky, we'll be enjoy it with good friends and heavy laughs.

Till then,

Em

Letting go.

Curtains are hung, beds are made, and pictures adorn our walls. We’ve made our house into a home, but something doesn’t feel quite right. I feel out of place, and as hard as I try I don’t feel like I belong. Perhaps it’s because I’m not active in the art community here? Or maybe because I don’t have a group of solid friends? Or even involved in playgroups?

I’m living life on a hamster wheel--constantly moving, constantly going, but always staying in the same place. I’ve made some bad choices, walked down the wrong road, ignored the red flags, and had more than a few busts and hardships. Relocating and reestablishing your place in a new community is difficult. And as hard as you try to make everything work and flow smoothly, sometimes the puzzle pieces just don’t fit together--sometimes you just need to realize the dead end road and move on. Now that the dust has settled and I can see with clear eyes, we’re regrouping and regaining our footing, but most importantly, I’m letting go.

I’m letting go of all “what ifs”. Of all outside negativity and distractions. Of all stresses and worries. And focusing on us, as a family. We’re falling back into our easy going, laid back lifestyle that makes us thrive. Now that Autumn is here, there's no perfect time to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life, like family movie night, bedtime stories, and conversations over coffee.

And that…that’s what makes me whole. That’s where I belong, and geography can never take that away.

Unfortunately, I haven’t had my camera attached to me, like it has been in the past, but I did have my iphone.

So, here are a few snaps of our happenings over the past month or two:
(if you’re on my twitter, I’m sure you’ve already seen these)

Fall is in full swing--my all-time favorite season of the year, thankyouverymuch--we’re pulling out all stops on home comforts while soaking up the warm days and cool nights. This includes all, but not limited to, chili, pumpkin patches, apple pie, crunchy leaves, and chai tea.  

I’m going to attempt to play summer catch-up this week, while I finish up the kids Halloween costumes, photography props (more details to come on that!), and our out-of-town weekend getaway to visit besties.

Till then, much love.

Em

I Heart Faces: Pets

 I'm getting brave and submitting this photo (along with 100's of other fab photographers) to I Heart Faces for their "pet challenge."

This is Louie --aka Lucy Lou-- our little Himalayan who believes she is human.

Her eyes are as blue as the sky, but sleeping-while-sitting-up is her natural pose.

I shot this photograph indoors as Louie was sitting perched on the windowsill basking in Alaska's winter sun.

Enjoy!

Third.

Once or twice a week I take a day to sort and edit photographs, and reflect on the happenings that has been going on in our household. Today however, was such a big deal that it couldn’t wait a day longer.

My girl --my little girl-- started third grade today. My feet stood heavily cemented to the front door step not wanting her to leave. I want to hold her and shield her and keep her in a bubble. I want to bake cookies with extra sprinkles and color outside the lines with crayons and have princess dress-up tea parties with dolls. But, I knew she had to go. And as a parent I rejoiced for her and gave her the confidence that she needed as she embarked on her own journey in a new school, with new kids, and new teachers.

she was so nervous!

My heart twisted and turned as we entered her new classroom.

Oh boy, here we go. Keep it together. This is your fourth year dropping her off on her first day of school. You’ve got this.

And I did. And she did as well.

After today, Krysta will be inches taller…and I’m okay with tall.