Lovely

Meadow cried a lot today.  A whole lot.

Truthfully, she cries a lot everyday.  It seems that she likes to be held. . . constantly.  I’m sure that I created this monster.  She is happiest when she is being snuggled, kissed, and held close. Hands free doesn’t happen very often these days. I don’t mind this. . . most of the time.   But dinner does need to be prepared, laundry needs folded, etc., etc., etc. . .not to mention two other children to which I need to attend.

I will admit that by the end of the night. . . this Mommy has had it.  Exhaustion and weariness overcome me and the thought of doing it again tomorrow seems quite impossible.  My mantra these days is, it’s a season.  Simple words that I breathe in and breathe out knowing that, in a blink of an eye, this season will pass. 

When nights like this hit I know what I need.  I need perspective.  I need a reality check.  I need to focus on the loveliness that surrounds me.

Really, it’s everywhere. . .

1.  Weekend

We had a lovely weekend.  I think I may have mentioned that it was Chad’s birthday and you want to know something?  I surprised him.  Despite popular opinion that says this girl can not keep a secret. . . this weekend I did. 

Chad didn’t suspect a thing.  The night before his birthday I offered my sincerest apology that we had no plans for his birthday, explaining that with Meadow it’s just hard to really plan for anything.  Being his usual gracious self he assured me it’s okay, I completely understand.

Little did he know I had planned a date for my foodie husband at the restaurant of one of his favorite t.v. chefs.  I told Chad what to wear and when to be ready and let him know that we had the night to ourselves (thanks to my awesome in-laws).  That evening we drove to Michael Symon’s restaurant


My food network addicted husband was excited and I was quite thrilled that I was able to keep my mouth shut for an entire month.  We strolled through the streets of the city before finding our way to this tasty bistro.

As we had driven to our destination that afternoon, Chad figured out where we were going. What he didn’t know was that good friends were waiting to celebrate his day with us.  Rarely do I see Chad speechless, but his shock was evident.  I think he was mostly shocked that I was able to keep my mouth shut about his surprise.

I wish I had good pictures of this night but it was impossible.  A laughing photographer leads to really blurry photos.  I wish you could really see Chad’s crinkly eye laughter. . .

Or the questionable across-table glances between Chad and his friend. . .

Really questionable glances. . .

I know you love this picture, Dad.

Or the great food at Micheal Symon’s restaurant.

Or Chad blowing out his cookie candle. . .

Or the wives that just grin and bear it. . .

I was incapable of taking a good picture of the night.  Perhaps it wasn’t me, though.  It seems our waitress struggled to get a good shot, as well.

Oh well.  Still, it was a lovely evening.

2. More surprises

There was just one more surprise for Chad on what we labeled his “birthday weekend”.  Sunday, I again directed him to drive 45 minutes from our home, without telling him why.  By this time, he was about done with surprises, but he didn’t push for details.  When we arrived to our destination we sat and waited. . .

. . . up walked his surprise. . 

A family gathering to celebrate.

It was lovely.

3.  Pavement

Finally, it happened. 

My feet touched the pavement.  For the first time this season, I ran outside.  I can’t tell you how good it felt to get off the treadmill and feel the fresh air in my lungs and my pavement under my feet.  Chad and I escaped for a run on a warm and sunny morning and the entire time I jabbered about how beautiful, wonderful, awesome and amazing it was. 

Yes, I’m pretty sure Chad had enough of me by the time we arrived home. It was still lovely for me, though.

4.  Toes

It’s getting warm again. . . have you noticed?  It seemed to sneak up on me this year.  My toes were not prepared.

Eek!

Chanelle remedied the situation today.

There you go, Momma, now you are ready.

5.  Lovely


Need I say more?

6.  Tulips

I woke up today and it was raining.  The clouds were thick and gray.  The house was dark. 

I did something I’ve never done before.  Never. Ever. Ever.

I bought myself flowers.  I brought them home and put them on my window sill. 

They brightened my day. 

They are lovely. 

Maybe it’s lame that I bought myself flowers.  To me, though, it was a $5 investment in getting my focus on the right things. 

Even on a dreary day. . . the lovely can be found.

***************************


Here’s to a lovely Tuesday!

  • Sassytimes - March 13, 2012 - 1:34 pm

    Oh, Summer, I so wish we were neighbors. I lose perspective more than I'd like to admit. :-/

    I'm glad you got what appeared to be a wonderful date with your hubby and some outside pavement time. I think fresh flowers is a great idea!ReplyCancel

  • Abbe - March 13, 2012 - 1:50 pm

    i think there's something really beautiful about buying yourself flowers! i love to do it from time to time… particularly when it's only a $5 to $10 investment that i KNOW will brighten my home and my mood. enjoy! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • lisa - March 13, 2012 - 5:03 pm

    awww…it looks like he had a great celebration! and good job keeping the secret! I, too, am a horrible secret keeper!! It's so hard! 🙂

    A couple years back I started buying tulips at the first hint of spring…it's truly uplifting and one of the best gifts to give yourself!

    And I started laughing when I saw your feet- I literally just minutes ago was going to take a picture of my bare toes and how badly they need a pedicure! too funny!

    thanks for the birthday message today! and keep saying your mantra…believe me you won't believe how fast this time will go…seriously! my oldest babies- now 12!!- are now taller than me!! gasp! it just doesn't seem possible…just bought them a "teen" bible last night cause they complain about feeling like a baby during sunday school with the bible the church gave them…plus, discovered their first "love" note saying they "loved" some girl!!! GASP! I'm dying over here! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Iris Took - March 13, 2012 - 5:20 pm

    Loved this!

    That pic of Chanelle with the giagantor strawberry reminded me of Cindy Lou Who…from the Grinch. Too precious.

    Your dinner looked so amazing and fun. Great gift.

    Also – the questionable glances was hilarious.ReplyCancel

  • Ky • twopretzels.com - March 13, 2012 - 6:33 pm

    Beautiful girl – I love, love, love the surprises for Chad's birthday. And, knowing that he was totally fine with "nothing special" for his birthday shows yet AGAIN what an awesome man he is.

    LOVED the tulip pictures.

    And I'm sorry about the baby crying… ;(

    Do you have a hands-free device to hold her? Sling? Ergo? Something? I WISH WE WERE CLOSER. I have ALL OF THIS STUFF SITTING IN VIVI'S ROOM. I can send one to you when someone leaves again!ReplyCancel

  • Adopted aunt - March 14, 2012 - 1:17 am

    So glad you had a great weekend! It can be hard being a mom. I must admit a loved snuggling Meadow when she wanted held:). And I had a great time with the older two too. Great pics! My dev which I did tonight were on the same topic, always something to be grateful for! I think buying ourselves flowers to brighten our world and our families is just fine! Love the toes!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - March 15, 2012 - 2:36 am

    YAY we made the blog! I can't wait to tell Burke. HAHA! We feel so honored to be on here! 🙂

    What a wonderful birthday weekend for Chad! Summer, you are an awesome wife to your hubby! I am sure he feels so loved by you!!

    Love ya
    JoEllenReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - March 22, 2012 - 1:50 am

    Looks like a lovely evening at Lola's! What a great memory. And such an accomplishment to have been able to truly make it a surprise for Chad:)
    Love – MarieReplyCancel

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