I am floating on a boat in a calm, clear blue ocean, watching the fish and turtles pass beneath me. I hear a baby cry. I blink open my eyes and squint to see the clock. It's not quite 6:00am. Finley slept all night in his big bed for the first time (aside from falling out of bed just after I tucked in for the night). Although my body feels refreshed, dark circles still hang from my eyes. I scoop Finley from his bed for a morning cuddle and walk to the kitchen with Joseph tippy-toeing close behind, tickling his brother's toes. The sky is painted a dark shade of pink just over the roof tops as the sun wakes. It's a beautiful sight to wake up to.
Finley sits in his chair with a bottle while I simultaneously make rice krispie squares for Camilla's lunch and porridge for breakfast. The older two trickle into the kitchen one at a time to find their place at the table. Camilla bounces in with her new mamma made turtle in hand and gives me a giant hug.
She had come home in tears the day before because they ran out of stuffed turtles for her book order and she was "the only one" who didn't get one. My heart broke for her because I knew how long she had been waiting. After they were all asleep I crocheted up a little surprise and left it on her pillow. She was tickled when she woke.
Hyrum walks her to the bus stop after a leisurely morning, and then we all wave when it drives by. The boys ask for special turtles of their own, and since I know how much love these mamma made toys receive, I get to work right away. They pick their colors and help me stuff and sew. All day long they play with their turtles in hand, and I get one hundred hugs for taking time for them.
In the late morning I notice Finley blinking to stay awake. I snuggle him up on my shoulder and tuck him into his bed. He falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow and enjoys a quiet morning nap while the clouds blow in from the West. It's time to clean the kitchen and replenish our bread supply. I put some warm water, sugar and yeast into the bowl and let it sit for a few minutes while I cut some apple slices for the boys. They enjoy a quick show and a snack while I finish kneading the dough. As it rises on my counter I tidy bed rooms. Once I'm finished I stretch out on the couch and close my eyes for a few winks of sleep before Finley wakes.
In the late afternoon dark clouds roll in, and thunder shakes our house. I am glad to be inside enjoying the warmth and the smell of fresh bread and cheese buns. I finish up the last of the dishes while Finley plays at my feet, matching lids to containers in the bottom drawer. There's a sense of peace and calm in our home that I breath in deeply. I love having my little one's close. The children make a blanket fort in one of the bedrooms and giggle together while the rain comes down and the thunder grumbles. I get a text from Daddy, he's going to be late tonight. I hardly have the energy to make dinner, and we're out of baby wipes, so a spontaneous trip to the grocery store is in order.
On our way there we spot a rainbow stretched across the sky. I pull off on a side road and take a picture. Camilla excitedly exclaims, "There's gold at the end of that rainbow!" So we decide to go on a rainbow chase down some back country roads. We pass baby cows, a goat farm, and all kinds of interesting sights. The children "oooh" and "ahhh" out their window as they watch the scenery go by. I roll down the window and breath in the fresh air left after the storm. In and out. As we drive down the bumpy road, Finley opens his mouth and assumes the monotone bumpy-road-voice. I smile as I listen to his low voice, "AhhhhHHHhhhHH". On the way home the children tell me it's been the best day ever because they got to go chase rainbows AND get a cookie at the grocery store. We enjoy a late dinner and then I tuck everyone in for the night.
As I wipe down the counters a feeling of gratitude overwhelms me. Gratitude for our children, our home, and the many comforts we enjoy. Sometimes a nice drive down a back country road is all I need to center me and remind me of the important things in life. Our home is a refuge from the storms of the world, and I love that our children can feel safe and warm here.
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