Readers Are Leaders

There is nothing quite like cloudy November mornings and the library. There is something magical about when your babies start reading, and we are quickly learning that with not only Piper but also Maverick. It’s kind of like when they start walking, but better. they are opened up to a whole new world of imagination & creativity. || 📚

You really can make a huge difference! Parents are the most important educators in a child’s life – even more important than their teachers – and it’s never too early to start reading together.

Remember readers are leaders. 

-Reading aloud to your child, talking about the words and pictures, and sharing ideas about a book.

-Reading to yourself -- children who see adults reading and enjoying it - are more likely to want to read to themselves.

-Surrounding your children with books - you don't need hundreds of books at home, but going to the library, or bookshops regularly to borrow books, buy books, spend time together and make choices together -- helps reading become a habit. 

Simply learn to #SayYes to books. 

#WednesdayWisdom

Sometimes the most important things you do each day are never on your "to do" list.

I have spent the past week engrossed in motherhood. Don't get me wrong, every day of my life is spent being engrossed in motherhood . . . but I am talking about the dirty side of motherhood. The gritty battle against sickness that hits every year when November knocks on our door. We said hello to the stomach virus and marched directly into strep throat without any sort of break. Each kid battling their own symptoms, leaving me there to clean them up and bathe them in tender love and care. 

Somehow we managed to hit a few houses on Halloween night and that was by the grace of God because we have had no breaks for about seven days now. Both of my kids looked like they had lost the war against sickness -- their little eyes showing exhaustion and defeat. 

Motherhood brings as much joy as ever, but it still brings boredom, exhaustion, and sorrow too. Nothing else ever will make you as happy or as sad, as proud or as tired, for nothing is quite as hard as helping a person develop his own individuality especially while you struggle to keep your own.

I have always adored this quote. Perhaps it is because when someone else admits that Motherhood is hard, it allows us to both exhale in unison & nod in agreement. Yes, this love is heavy. Weighted in every corner. Certain seasons heavier than others. But all with the divine intention, to keep our hearts anchored first in our homes.

Yesterday we finally caught a break. Gratitude to the wonderful doctor for granting Piper a few days off from school. We spent the entire day unplugged -- or I spent the entire day unplugged. 

It's amazing to see the difference made in spirits when the cellphones stay on the charger. 

We didn't really crash -- it was more or less that we didn't ever move from our positions on the couch. Laying there -- with babies sprang -- cuddling -- watching Disney movie after Disney movie -- I realized how special these moments were. 

I never wish sickness on us -- but I don't mind the quiet moments where we are all together, laughing, and cuddled up. 

"If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is: "thank you", that would suffice."

  -Meister Eckhart

Enjoying The Now

If I could reverse the hands of time and have a heart-to-heart with the mama I was just five short years ago, I would tell her this: Recognize & Rejoice in the season of Motherhood you are currently in. For all its worth. Surrender freely, Tiffany. 

There is a time and purpose to every phase in your life. Just as we can't enjoy autumns vibrant colors in April, or picnic on a soft grassy lawn in January, neither can we expect to have all the treasures of a lifetime of seasons packed into today...to be constantly wishing away the current season, because the next season seems more appealing, is to miss the fragrance of lilacs after spring rain because you cannot wait for barbecues by the pool. ~from the book, Deliberate Motherhood. #nowisnow

xoxo,

Tiffany

Where The Wild Things Are

"Faith includes noticing the mess. the emptiness, and discomfort -- and letting it be there until some light returns." --Anne Lamont 

Motherhood. This is my job. The one I am blessed to do every damn day. It never ends. It is constant. I might feel stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted at times -- but I will hold my tongue. Not give negativity any airtime. And only speak into existence words that help and not hinder me. There are moments when I fail and moments where I fall -- but I will not break. I can do this. And I can do this well.

The kids were feeling beyond frazzled today -- hopping into the car straight out of the doors from school in a funk. A heavy week of school weighing down on their souls. And I'm convinced that having TOO much electronic time makes them more moody - more frazzled - and causes more chaos than needs to be in our household. 

Being home only a few short hours from school - bringing in the weekend - and hearing my kids shouting at each other and one in tears - I decided to unplug everyone and take them out to the woods until the sun sets. 

I'm convinced that the crisp autumn air and the smell of pine can cure any funk -- and sure enough, it cured my kids. 

The boredom and the weight of the week melted away as they found magical wizard staff's and jumped into a good ole' sibling duel of magic and imagination. 

We soaked in the fresh air and watched the dead leaves drift down from the bare branches. 

Pretty great Friday night in my books.

xoxo,
Tiffany 

Autumn Is Here

dusk over the lake
clouds floating
heat lightning
a nightmare behind branches 
from the swamp
the odor of the ceder and fern
the long circular 
wail of the loon 
the plump bird aches for fish 
for night to come down

then it becomes so dark
and still
that i shatter the moon with an oar

**and we are finally kissing that dreaded Indian summer goodbye**

xoxo,
Tiffany