Woodland Antics

I really need some shut-eye. But first I have to quickly record a few things about my Reed Mo because I'm afraid if I don't do it now, with the hustle and bustle of life, these memories may be lost and just fade away.  These are the little moments I never want to forget... Putting Reed to bed tonight he said, "Mum, I love you with all my heart.  You're funny, cheerful, not jealous and not a cyclone killer" He's continuously telling me I'm the best Mum in the world.   I know it's not true but I have to admit there's a part of me that thinks, I must be all right to have a son as polite and thoughtful as he is.  For instance when we got home from school today, before I could ask him, he asked me how my day was.  Then asked how his baby brother is doing. Then he told me how great I am. In every school lunch I pack for the kids I also include a special note.  I asked Reed if he liked the note I packed for him today.  "I nearly c...

 they have him  and I've them. He has us and they have me we found each other  and  never let go photo by Reed I'm most thankful he has her and she has him.

I'm thankful to have this moment between  my Grammy and my Reed forever preserved. It warms my soul. I'm grateful for her long life on this earth.  It gave her time to feel comfortable sharing her love in words and hugs.  Near the end of her life she hugged harder than anyone I've ever met. She said "I love you" like it was going out of style.  Her longevity gave her a chance to meet my babies and for my babies to receive one of the best hugs they ever will. i love this one too For more about my Gram O'Dea go HERE

I t was funny to hear what the kiddies were thankful for.  I wrote their thoughts on little leaves to adorn our thankful tree. M y personal favorite was from Reed.  He was thankful for, "My strong kicking body."  As I read the thankful thoughts to Ry he guessed who the owner was.     He nailed them all.   **************************** Our Thanksgiving Banner I think it turned out cute especially given we made it out of  soda and cereal boxes. **************************** Last year we made Thanksgiving silhouettes {I'm just realizing now the 1 looks like a 7} I wanted to make another pair this year so I did  but time & material were not on my side . I didn't have black paper so I replaced it with newspaper C'est la vie Next year I'll put more effort into them.

I'm thankful for weekend family time. When Ryan was in grad school nothing distinguished the weekends from the weekdays.  He worked and I maintained with the kids.  I knew the future would be different. I promised myself I would never take a weekend for granted. And here we are ,in the future, treasuring every weekend as a family. This weekend we went ROCK CLIMBING... celebrating a job well done {gotta love that smile} just hanging out after a successful climb she's a natural check out the calf muscle on this 6 year-old We may have to clear some room in our budget for a ton  more rock climbing because we have some gym rats on our hands.

I'm thankful for Beach Days!   sand in my car, salty hair, kids chatting, waves crashing, warm breezes, giggles, dunes in bloom, pirate treasure and sand castles. I'm thankful for days like today... lil' peanut analyzing the waves & contemplating his next move. even beach days have their moments

I'm thankful Ryan has been able to fulfill his dream of getting his Ph.D.  It was a long road but I don't know anyone who could have done it as gracefully has he did.  {especially with a wife and two children} His love of his work reflects in all aspects of our lives.  Everyday Ryan leaves and returns from work with a smile on his face.  His satisfaction & excitement overflows into our family life.  Priceless. I'm so grateful to share my life with the best husband, father & scientist around.   xoxo, Mrs. Dr. Ryan Woodland

I'm thankful for flowers.  For they thrill my Fiona to the very edge of her soul. Therefore thrilling me to the very edge of my own. I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.   ~Emma Goldman  {a rose on our kitchen table cut from our very own garden} Ryan often picks a flower for Fiona on his walk home from work. The gesture alone is enough to melt my heart. It's her expression and gratefulness upon receiving it that always leaves me in a puddle. ** I plan to count down the days until Thanksgiving with  thankful thoughts.