Interrupted
My Life Thus Far
Contentment With Life
The weather tried to not cooperate, but overall it still ended up being a great day! For reasons I'm not going to question, the kids actually let me sleep in this morning! Snookums got up to do laundry (he's pretty much a domesticated househusband these days, but I'm not complaining) while I laid in bed and relished the wonderfulness of not having to jump up and instantaneously start multi-tasking.
Our original plan was to do the kids' egg hunt first thing, but it was pouring until early afternoon, so we let them open their Easter gifts. Between us and the grandparents, they make out like bandits every holiday, even the non-gift-giving one's. Easter was never a big gift-giving occasion during my childhood, but I love any reason to give my babies little tokens of love. They got little toys, some clothes, candy (of course), books, games. You name it. It kept them busy all morning while I lounged and watched Snookums lovingly fold my yoga pants and compression tops :) I'm so spoiled!
Around 3pm the rain let up enough that we were able to go out and hide eggs. The kids had fun traipsing through the garden, side and back yards in search of the colorful little treasures. Keenan especially. He's just starting to understand the little traditions that go along with birthdays/holidays and seeing the wonder on his face is so refreshing. I've lived through so many holidays that it's become very routine for me, but it's all new to him and it's adorable to witness. It's just one of many things I love about being a mother.
Easter dinner was a bit of a production, if I do say so myself. I made Cornish game hens, spiral ham, macaroni and cheese, roasted butternut squash, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, corn and garlic baguettes. There was a little familial input as far as the menu went (I wanted more veggies, less starches), but Easter comes but once a year. I tried to make everyone happy. With my new way of life, I'm physically incapable of eating the amount of food I once could, so there's no harm in indulging once in awhile. I don't feel the least bit guilty about it, which is HUGE for me. In the past I would have resorted to drastic measures to make myself feel better about eating a big meal and not knowing the calorie count (laxatives, extreme amounts of exercise, starvation for days, diet pills, etc). Those days are so far behind me it's almost hard to believe I used to do such damaging things to myself. But then I did have a lot of self-hate going on.
After dinner, I lounged around a bit. The kids' went outside to play since the sun decided to make a brief appearance before dark. Then they went off to bed, very tired but happy. Tanner and I went for a run. He wasn't cooperating with me (stopping every few feet to sniff, getting tangled around my legs, poles, garbage cans) He was all over the place. So, after the first 3 miles I brought him home. I'm starting to think 3 miles is his limit. I did another 3 miles on my own. Not to make up for dinner, but because I love it and it feels good. Since I pretty much run a 10k most days of the week, I'm starting to think I should sign up for marathons. It would give a more tangible reason for my long runs. Other than just loving to run. People find it hard to believe that I truly enjoy it, but then I'm not really one to care what other people think about me or my life.
I put Kiki's cupcakes in the oven, then took a long hot shower. They were finished baking when I got out. They're cooled and up out of children's reach. I'll decorate them with butter cream frosting, sprinkles and little gummy candies tomorrow morning. Snookums, Keenan and I are taking them into Kiki's class for a little party tomorrow afternoon. Keenan's going to have to miss a therapy session (which I don't like), but it's always about Keenan. Kiki deserves to have her special day and if Keenan goes, that means one parent won't be there. Sometimes it feels like parenthood is a balancing act that can never be totally balanced, but we do our best.
Like last night, I have the same sense of well-being and peace. I wonder if it's just contentment with life as it is or endorphins from running... I didn't run last night, so I'm going with contentment with life :) Isn't that great?! It's funny how time changes people. I could never be more grateful for the changes that have happened within me...
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