I have been working hard to get up before Florence wakes.

which by the way has been so stinkin hard 

I have found I am able to handle the days adventures if I start my morning quietly - time spent in the word, a cup of coffee without interruption and getting out my pajamas before she is up makes a world of difference.

 I also get to hear Florences chatter to her stuffed animals and to Mercy -who is sharing a room with Florence and kindly puts up with a great deal.  

Recently I heard from Florence:

I hear the birds!

Mercy! I hear the birds singing...

Do you hear them Mercy?

Auntie Mercy! Do you hear the birds??!

 

No response from Mercy.

I decided that it might be a good idea to get my girl up out of bed before her exuberance for something beautiful disrupted Mercy's sleep any further.

The daffodils are blooming...it's like celebration of Spring all over Syracuse!
Last Tuesday Florence and I picked one before it was in full bloom to watch it open.

Wednesday Caitlyn came for coffee. We sat in the kitchen with the daffodil (so bright and cheerful!). She held my boy and we talked about life - things like:  How's the meal planning going?and, how can we mix simplicity with beauty in our homes? (Caitlyn is reading The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer).  I got out my camera for the first time in ages and tried to capture the simple pleasures of the afternoon. I think I just about got it - almost.

Winter is long and cold here in Syracuse.

Florence is not fussed.  She LOVES the snow.
As consolation to Florence for telling her that it was just way too cold to go out and play in the snow
- often a treat she gets with Nathaniel, playing in the snow is not my forte -
I said we could have a picnic on the kitchen floor.
She pulled her quilt out and spread it on the floor, I made the sandwiches and we sat and munched away.
At some point Titus woke and Florence asked if he might join us - of course - just don't squish him I warned.

And she didn't.

I'm cleaning my house.
I try to clean my house everyday...but this is special cleaning.
Mercy is coming. She is not just coming for a short little visit, she is coming for a couple months.
Yay!....rather....YAAYYYYY!!! I am so excited.

She will be here soon - there is a list of things I need to do to be ready. My weekend list (That way I don't get overwhelmed!):
Today - I'm making space in a closet for her things.
Tomorrow - rearrange furniture to fit a bed.
Sunday - probably more of the same... these days jobs tend to take a bit longer then I think.

Welcome to the world sweet baby boy!

* We are so glad you are finally here! * 

Titus Newton Jackson - born the 10th of December. 

7lbs & 21in long.

just perfect.

 

Last week I turned 30.
I kinda thought I would never turn 30 - but here I am!  A friend commented, "We so often get caught up in dreading growing older that we miss the blessing we enjoy in being given an other year (or day) to live."

Mom and I went to the farmers market last weekend (my birthday weekend...), she bought me a little succulent plant to go on my kitchen window sill as a birthday gift. A lovely reminder for me in the year to come of the sweet blessing I enjoy in my mom's friendship.

Thanks Mom, it looks lovely in my window.

Florence feeding her baby doll

So, it's the end of Tuesday. It's been a good day - thanks.
Things started out a bit bumpy with an early morning and a grouchy baby but as the day unfolded God gave me a day full of sweet blessings. 
A few highlights: 

• Florence took a wonderful long nap while I got a visit in with Nathaniel's mom and sisters.
• When picking Nathaniel up from work he suggested we share a treat lunch at the cafe next to the school. We  enjoyed the chicken salad sandwich and a turkey club. And as usual, the elderly ladies enjoyed 'Flora the Explora' as she wandered round visiting neighboring tables. 
• At my eye appointment I found out the my eyesight has improved since my last eye exam 4 years ago. sweet.
• The weather was warm enough for Florence and I to take a walk together - she loves the bright red and yellow tulips that are in bloom right now. She says in her sweet little voice, 'oohhhh!'

Hope you had some sweet blessings sprinkled into your Tuesday too....