Living Life: More Simply

So this has been on the forefront of my mind as of late. That being "to simplify." Besides purging our goods for our upcoming yard sale, I think there is more to the idea. There are some pretty good life lessons in the posters above. 

It's twofold really. The parts that are more difficult (for me at least...)

listen and learn.

...where "they" need you right there (they being my family).

let it go.

make it work.

be content.

take time.

what matters most.

These come more easily to me but reminders are nice...

laugh and play.

relax and enjoy.

live in the sunshine.

dance.

giggle.

dream. (i'd say this one is the easiest.)

It's harder to attain these things when there are parts of our lives are difficult. The hopeful part of me knows that there is often blessing, peace, rejoicing, in the midst of or after the troubles. I must be looking for it though. The hope, that is. I've got to drop my bags and pursue it. So here's to hope, and simplicity.

Love,

Kristyn

Pinky Pink: Sweet Summertime

(drapery, watermelons, pillows, drink, bedroom, vases, ceiling, door.)


Hello there. What a wonderful week for some pink, yes? Today I'm wearing a sheer top in more of the dusty rose category, but it's pink enough. There are less and less articles of clothing that I'm pulling out of my closet to wear over this baby bump these days. Baby Fields is growing well in there! Hensley had her 15 month check up and is good to go. Tegegne is busy as ever, requests our French music each time we're in the car, and is looking forward to our train ride to Chicago!
Now if we can just get Michael to get over the shingles. Ick. Know anyone that has had them? They are brutal and I'm so ready for him to feel well again. We just paid him a surprise visit to school, which he absolutely loved and of course we could hang out there all day if it was allowed. 


It's First Fridays here in Kansas City, so a great night to get out on the town. Last month Hensley could not get enough of the live music, so she'll be sure to wear her dancing shoes out tonight!


Enjoy the weekend, and try to include something pink, if you will.


Love,


Kristyn 

Memorial Weekend: Serious Family Fun

We had a really great weekend with our family. Tegegne played and played and played with all of those fun cousins. Not sure I saw him until Monday morning! We had an old school slip-n-slide with a pool at the bottom, had a fish fry, late night guys basketball game, lots of fishing, my grandparents celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary, and it was a good time by all.


We love you all!

Kids: Got New Kicks!

Ninety percent of our children's wardrobes are hand-me-downs and we are so thankful! But it's kind of fun to get something brand new for them every once in a while! They both needed shoes! We measured Tegegne's foot and it's a toddler 11, and most of his shoes are still a 9 or 10. It's hard to keep up! And Hensley loves her Umi's that are too small now, so we found these. Happy feet, kiddos!

(Native Millers, Umi Sammies)

Bicycle Basket: What's Up

Well, we are more than ready to see dear 'ol Ababayeh on Tuesday, aren't we kids? Only 2 more sleeps! In the mean time, Tegegne, you had your last soccer game "Under the Lights" and got a bobble head trophy which you are really proud of. You said, "Mommy, this is me? With different looking hair?" (The boy on the trophy has straight hair.) We had tons of fun at our all church picnic today. Many dear friends helped me out, and I am so thankful for our community.  I love seeing our kids interact with our friends. There's something extra special about it.


Tis the season for juicy watermelon, eh? I've been eating it like crazy.  As a kid, I just wanted to pick the seeds out, but now I'm all in.


The kids have a casting call at Hallmark on Thursday, and if they are on their best behavior maybe they'll be on a greeting card or something! Thanks Nate! 


Have you used airbnb before? Michael, Tegegne, and I are riding the train to Chicago in a month and we are considering it. (Hensley will get more time at Big Sky with Gramma and Grandpa.)


Enjoy something juicy this week!


Kristyn


(watermelon.)

Life: And Living

Is that grass really greener on the other side? 
What in life makes you happy? Remember a time when you felt full of joy?
Is there a person you'd like to write a letter to via paper and pen?
Perhaps a neighbor to have for dinner?
A bike to ride to take, new city to visit, an old song that brings back memories?


What about the daily things in life?
Do you enjoy matching socks?
Washing the dishes by hand?
Have you done any spring cleaning?
Do you enjoy cooking or eating more? Is that a ridiculous question?


Or does your heart feel heavy, and is something causing you pain?
Have you lost a loved one, a companion, a baby-yet-to-be-born?
Do you wonder if the grass could possibly be green anywhere?
Are you one to share your feelings or hold them in?


Happy or sad.
Really energized or just plain tired.
Optimistic or a bit bummed. 
Twiddle dee dee or toe hum hum.


Life and living.
A new day tomorrow.
Breathing in, and out.
Being, just being.


(photo.)

Baby Boy: Your Name!

A Word: From the Papa

Made it back. (meaning he made it back to his main host family in the mountains. He spent the weekend with another host family and a last night with a few teachers.) So the last few days have been nice.  I haven't slept much, but it has been nice.  The weekend was good to see the country side.  Kind of like going to Salisbury and seeing all the family.  I learned a lot and have plenty to share.  Then Monday, I went out with two women named Claire, and a man named Leon.  They were all in their late 50's  early 60's. We went to St. Sebastian.  What a time!  It was seriously great.  You and I will return, and I know just the spot to go get tapas.  It was one of the best meals I have ever had.  We watched the sun set on the ocean, talked about you, and just walked around the old port town.  I seriously need to take you here.  We'll have Claire and Leon to guide us, seeing that they are there often.  They can't wait to meet you, and I feel that they know you already. You'd really like them, smart, sharp like Grandpa Jones and Grammie.  We ate very well, and oh man was it late when we started...9:30. We didn't get out till 11:45ish. I hit the pillow at 1:30. 


(San Sebastian photo.)

A Retreat: For All of Us

Dear Ma and Pa Iman,


Thank you so much for giving the kiddos a retreat at Big Sky and me a few days to myself! These are my first days to myself in hmmmm, a really long time, and I feel good! What a blessing you are. I know they are having ubber amounts of fun with you. 


Here's my agenda!
Monday:
Breakfast at first watch in the northland for a banana granola pancake and coffee. sat in that booth for an hour reading, writing, and thinking.
Starting the book The Time Travelers Wife.
Finish cleaning up from Taryn's baby shower (which was sweet fun) and a lovely weekend with college friends.
Matinee movie The Artist, with Nickie. 
Tuesday: 
Drum roll please...An hour at Bijin for facial/massage with Aunt Donna!
Dinner at Lulu's with Taryn and Amy.
Wednesday: 
Coffee date with Jan.
20 week baby check up. (We named our boy...stay tuned!)
Head to Big Sky to see my kiddos and relax at Big Sky.
Hopefully several skype dates and emails with my dear hubby who I cannot wait to reunite with.
Friday: 
Hens and I have a lunch date with Katie and Judah at Chai Shai.
To God be the glory!


Happy day to you!


Kristyn

Sweet Sweet: Motherhood

Oh my sweet, sweet children. I love ya. Thank you for being the reason I'm a mama. What a blessing and labor of love it is to lead you through this life.  Your dad and I are so grateful. 


Remember when we first met? 

Those first moments with you both are so memorable to your dad and I. Tegegne, they placed you in our arms and everything around us was cloudy, nothing else mattered at that moment. We were enthralled by you, and giddy, and amazed that you were our son! Hensley, your daddy brought you in and laid you on my chest and I was full. I was relieved...you made it through and so did I! You were tiny and beautiful and smelled sweet like a baby. 


Now may the Good Lord bless you and keep you. May his face shine upon you and may you receive his peace. 


God loves you.
God cares for you.
God blesses you.
God is with you.


Love,


Mommy (or Mommyeh yeh yeh...you used to cry out my name like that, Tegegne. It was so cute.)