These Are The Moments.

Even though the first couple of days (for me) were a blur of drug-laced consciousness and pretty much a wash as far as productivity goes, there have been some real gems extracted from this week. Here are some snapshot moments:

• Waking up in the morning to the sound of Addison reading to Cadence on the couch. The Bible. They decided not to come and get us that day when they woke up (but we heard them anyway), and they were in full blown discussion/devotion.  We of course just laid there and listened in amazement with pride swelled hearts.  

• My backyard.  Happiness is in my backyard.  There is a tree hanging heavy with little miniature oranges almost ready to pick, a deck freshly adorned with little twinkling lights wrapped around big trunks, and these beauties pictured below.  Cut them right off the bush, and they are the sweetest I've ever smelled.  It was a pleasant surprise because I thought our rose bushes were beyond repair. We have some work to do from the summer that almost killed it all, but there is so much potential to have a fantastic outdoor space.  Oh yeah- also my birthday present from Chris that I've wanted for years, a hammock. Yessssssss.                        

                                    

• Complimenting a great outdoor space is the amazing weather in which to enjoy it in.  This week was the kind of weather that you could feel the cool in the breeze and warmth of the sun at the same time. The kind of weather that makes your coffee taste better.  Perfection.  We spent a lot of time outside and look forward to doing it more. And it turns out that snuggles from a warm, cuddly baby on a cold morning is like wrapping in a big, fuzzy blanket.  Only better.

• Conquering a longstanding battle- For whatever reason, it's been such a challenge for Addison to tie his shoes.  Sometimes the simplest of things confound our little smarty pants boy, which can be a good thing because it teaches him patience and persistence.  Well, this week he finally got it figured out with much help from Daddy!  

                                      

• This guy has been playing hard.  Found him like this the other day- just played himself out!  It's very exhausting to be a baby.

                                    

• Learning to tithe.  Our precious Kids Church teachers have been talking to the kids about money on Sunday mornings, and today they marched into church with their pockets jingle-jangling ready to be a cheerful giver.  Love that.

                                          

Yes, these are the moments.  Just a sampling of the moments that fill my days with life and joy.  Peace out from the Pate house.