Getting Outside – ~HB ADVENTURE~

October 27, 2014

On Saying Yes

Say yes to the best, and no to the rest.

I have learned, time and time again, how easy it is to let the word ‘no’ slip from my lips when something is asked of me. Sometimes it might be a big thing and sometimes it might be a small thing, but the habit of responding in the negative is an easy one to develop and hang onto. As a mother, I’m trying my very, very best to say yes when I can and I’m learning that life is so much more fun when I do. I’m not saying yes to toys at the store or junk food around the house, but yes to LIFE and being in the world in a way that my two littles see it.

This afternoon that meant that when Maggie spotted a slew of mud puddles left over from a recent rain storm, I said ‘yes!!’ when she asked to jump in them. We were already on our way home and I knew that everybody was about to get hangry (hungry + angry = hangry) if I didn’t get dinner started.

But the mud puddles looked enticing to that 4 year old little mind of hers and she asked in the most polite way, so we parked the stroller and the two little chickens spent the next 40 minutes sprinting back and forth in the mud. Their smiles and squeals told me they appreciated my yes. We made it home with no complaining or crying and I got dinner on the table without too much drama.

Last weekend my mom told me that she hears me laugh often with my girls. I wasn’t aware of it, but since she told me that, I’ve been hearing my own laughter booming through the house. I’m not certain, but I’m guessing that some of my laughter is coming moments after I say YES!!!

September 30, 2014

Duck Pond and Barn Play

There is a small duck pond near our house and it’s a quick, swift walk on a road that has more traffic than I’d like., but once we’re there it is worth it. There’s a trail that winds around the pond and a gate that leads to a field with a big, red barn. I love this barn because it makes me feel like we don’t live so close to the city or that maybe we live near a farm. Anyhow, we’ve gone a few times recently to feed the ducks and walk the short trail. Sydney can be off leash and the girls can roam. It sure beats getting in the car.

August 7, 2014

Grammy’s Garden

First, thanks for your messages and comments regarding my last post. I’m feeling excited, bright-eyed and adventurous about the future. I’m brewing some ideas and who knows where it’ll go, but it feels good to have encouragement from very important people in my life.

We went up to A-town last week for a few days, while Barry was out of town, and when we pulled into my parent’s driveway it was about two shakes before my mom and the girls were working in the garden pulling potatoes out. These shots were all taken within the first 15 minutes of being there. Doesn’t take long to get your feet dirty at Grammy and Grampy’s house, just the way they like it.

I grew up in a home where we always, always had a garden. I’d be given the salt shaker to take out to the garden to shake on any slugs, and sometimes I feel like I’m doing my girls a disservice not having a huge, spectacular garden to stomp around in. I have some very vague memories of honeysuckles and the wood in the house we lived in until I was 5. But then I double check my thumbs and they haven’t turned green, so I find a way to make peace with it and appreciate all the hard work and beauty that my mom’s garden provides.

(And these pictures are only a slice of things that are growing…)