Before more time goes by, here are the closing remarks via photo, from our special family fortnight.
A rose among thorns, Heidi between her brothers.
We had a “see who can hang the longest from these freezing cold monkey bars” contest. Jack was the one to beat, and his daddy rose to the challenge and won.
My ever-present comedian.
The series of these photos was hilarious. We had a photo-bomber named Jack darting in and out from behind us. Among the lot, there is not one of all three coupes kissing. We tried. The middle couple were pretty oblivious to all the crazies. So cute!
The cousin shot didn’t work out too well. It was cold. Betty was sad. Elsie was silly. That’s life!
Sisters by love, not blood.
So blessed.
thankfulness
Italian Surprises
Surprises are the spice of life.
We had a surprise brewing for a few weeks now. I kept it from the kids, excitement building in my own heart. It had been almost three years ago since we saw these sweet faces, flown straight from Italian soil to our side of the ocean!
One night previous, Elsie had just been in tears for her cousin, Hannah. She missed her so badly.
Few words are needed. It was a blessed week and a half. So thankful we were able to see them a few times and cousins were able to connect over dress-ups, dance-parties, and sidewalk chalk.
In the between days when we weren’t at Matthew’s parents house visiting, we kept busy with the usual school and business of life. Soon I will post pictures of our entire family together. What a beautiful week it’s been.
Three-Four, Open The Door
March has a tendency to speed right along, almost as if it’s anticipating spring as much as the rest of us are. It’s been a super fun-filled month so far. Exactly three weeks until race day, the trail has seen a lot of my old sneakers. Between miles there has been much chocolate, a medieval feast with friends (we are studying that period of history together), an Ikea trip with my sister and nieces, furniture painting, cute kids, field trips and birthday celebrations with friends. There is much between the lines, many memories and blessings. Lots of words are flying about in my brain, unsettled as of yet; waiting for the unseen breeze to stop their spinning. 
But right now, today, thirty-four is shaping up to be fabulous.
End of February Highlights
There is no such thing as an empty week in this household. Snow forts, lots of books, and fun with friends were just some of the highlights.
The girls are often dressing up… here are a few shots of Elsie twirling. Her dream is to take ballet soon.
The ice-caked trees never cease to amaze me with their beauty. Entombed in glass, one day soon they will come back to life.
Betty loves to help shovel snow. Trouble is, there are no shovels her size. My garden trowel is a good substitute for now.
Jack had a small run-in with a shovel one night.
School sometimes includes looking through the dictionary. It’s not hard to believe how funny they found the word “underpants”.
This week we also began nature journals. I love how most of them spoke of spring, while drawing snowflakes.
Betty enjoys playing the little games I find online.
The highlight of my week happened on Monday when my dear sweet friend, Sarah (who lives in England), showed up at my front door. She and I spent a few hours together in the city. We’ve known each other for over half of our lives. It’s a beautiful thing when entire continents and years can’t stop friendship from growing.
Icy Poetry
This week was full of challenges, beauty, tears and smiles. And lots and lots of ice.
Great cases of cabin fever produce much creativity.
When the lights flickered off on Tuesday morning, I didn’t think too much of it. Our power-less morning meant walking over to our neighbor’s house and warming ourselves by their wood stove. We had two fevered boys chilling on the couch, and our day felt like it was going in slow motion. Not until later on did we realize just how wide-spread of a disaster the ice-storm created. Overnight, our entire area came to a screeching halt. I only pulled out my phone camera this entire week, but my mind holds the incredible beauty in its memory bank. One shot of an evergreen tree, encased in ice:
On Thursday, we ventured outside of our neighborhood and drove a few miles. Instead of typical scenery, we entered a magical, sparkling world. Glass trees, as far as our eyes could see, covered the landscape. I couldn’t stop exclaiming. Looking at the other-world-like richness, it seemed like my soul sang poetry. Words only meant for the Creator of such splendor. Words I have no ability to write. Now I know why crystal is one of God’s choices for Heaven’s decor.
Who knew such beauty could wreak such havoc?
Yet amidst the disaster, more beauty. Fellowship with friends who still lacked electricity. Sharing of warmth and coffee. I know it has been a super-challenging week for many folks. However, it’s been such a blessing to be on the giving end of the stick. Sometimes it can be very difficult for people in this country to allow themselves to be showered with love (or water!) in time of need. We are naturally prideful, and it can be cloaked in the tidy words of: “I don’t want to be a bother”. Let me be very clear on this matter: If I don’t want you to come use my shower or accept a cup of hot coffee, then I would not offer! It was beautiful to see and hear stories of different folks bunking out at other people’s houses, or getting clean in other people’s showers, or doing laundry with other people’s washing machines. We should both be quick to offer our help, and quick to receive it when needed. What heaps of joy for those who are on the giving end!
On Friday, Matthew got scoped again to see what’s going on in the subglottic region of his throat. The doctor was pleased with what he saw: nothing worsening; small improvement; no immediate action needing to be taken. He has two weeks until he sees the ear doctor again to see if he will need a new tube put in the one side that has been infected for a couple of months. Afterwards, we sat down at our new favorite cafe in the city: Le Pain Quotidien. The chocolate banana bread with caramelized bananas: amazing.
Then yesterday, it was determined the length of hairs in this house was out of control. Everyone got their hair cut, including mama. At first, Matthew was going to cut my hair. It soon became clear how very different cutting wood and cutting hair can be. After a few snips and exclamations, which clearly indicated he did not know what he was doing… I grabbed the scissors and got acquainted with the mirror.
Now another fresh inch or two of white has fallen from the sky, and I didn’t even notice at first. Snow is no longer shocking, and I’m slowly making friends with it. Underneath each snow-flake, there is dirt and life and growth. Between cold and foggy breaths, there is great anticipation of spring in the air. Like all promises true, it will come. Be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart. Wait on the Lord.
Five Little Minions
We have woken up to snow so many mornings this winter! Today’s snow dumped another six to eight inches on top of what was already there. A couple of weeks ago, the kids made a fabulous three-door hobbit home in the front yard. Hours upon hours were spent carving it out of the snow with my garden trowel. I love their creativity!
After hours in the snow, hot tea or hot chocolate are a welcome treat. Elsie is my usual tea-girl and loves it just like her mama.
Last weekend we finally were able to meet the newest cousin on the Weldon side of our family! Taylor Grace fought her way out of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and is home and smiling! What a treat to snuggle and love her in person.
We celebrated Christmas Part III, since she was admitted to the hospital Christmas Eve. It was simply delightful.
One of our favorite gifts: five little minion hats, crocheted by Aunt Heidi! They are a scream.
A collection of life through the lens of my phone:
An Eagle Scout and Singlets
Life is a constant heart-beat, which drums all around me. Sometimes in the thundering noises of many little elephants coming down the stairs, and sometimes in the aftermath of many mouths having been filled and satisfied. Tonight, I have two hours of quiet. The heartbeat of life still hums in the background, even though there is silence. There is a crudely drawn circle on the mirror in the kitchen. It appears to be etched in maple syrup. The stairs have more dust bunnies making themselves at home on each step. Paper airplanes have crash landed under pieces of furniture. A small pretzel has been stepped on more than once, looking like a little mountain which has been leveled to a mess of crumbs in the middle of the floor. The once-caught up laundry smirks at me from a huge pile, now ready to go through the cycle again. Our fridge is still in self-emptying mode, as dozens of eggs and bushels of apples and clementines disappear into thin air… or hungry bellies. The clock is ticking, and life is still drumming. There have been a few poignant moments in the past week.
It was an honor to attend Matthew’s little brother’s Eagle Scout Court of Honors. I have known Jacob since he was Betty’s age, and am so proud of the young man he has become!
The other night I came across Nadine trying to give Jack a shoulder massage. He was backing away from her and exclaiming: I’m not a woman! I laughed, so thankful he isn’t! Then Friday night he was peeling potatoes for me. The aftermath of his help was a scattering of sweet potato skins all over the kitchen floor. He gazed at the mess, shook his head and said, If I was a woman, none of this would have happened. I guess his impression of women is as follows: They are neat potato peelers who love shoulder massages. I think I qualify.
The boys are both in the middle of wrestling season. I finally got to watch them on Saturday, and it brought back many memories of watching their daddy, donned in his singlet, oh so long ago!
I’m so proud of the boys in my life. Whether they’re wearing singlets, an Eagle Scout uniform, or a wrestling coach’s shirt… they all make me so very proud. Their hearts all march to the beat of their own drum, and make my heart beat a little faster.
Patchwork Tea
I crave two things almost equally every day: quality time with people and… chocolate. When an afternoon of tea with a friend is complimented with chocolate, it is pretty close to perfection. I am convinced if we spent less time stalking people from the comfort of our computer screens and more time actually getting to know them, we would be a much happier people. Because if you just read my definition of a perfect afternoon and thought how pristine, calm and cozy that sounded, you may have gotten the wrong impression. If you were here, you would have known how messy, loud and chilly it actually was… what with the mud, glitter, snacks, questions and the constantly opening door to the outside, all going on between sips and words. My definition of perfect rarely, if ever, equals calm, quiet, neat or tidy.
Not one moment after I poured the tea, hungry child number one came into the kitchen:
Mom? I’m hungry.
Ok. Go outside and play for a while, then you can have a snack.
We sat down, took one sip of tea, and began our conversation. No sooner has someone heard us swallow before coming in to ask:
Mom? Can I eat something?
No, go outside with your sibling and play first. Don’t forget to shut the door!
We continued our conversation, seamlessly blending our last sentence into our next. The interruption is merely like a breath between words. Another breath:
Mom? What can I eat? I’m hungry!
Another child walked into the kitchen. I’m hungry too!
Go outside! And shut the door behind you!
We entered back into the conversation. It’s okay if we can’t remember where we left off, because mommy brains are used to forgetting.
Another poor unsuspecting child asks for food. To me, it’s as if the same child has asked for a snack five times, when in reality it is a different child with the same song, fifth verse. Mom? I’m so hungry!
Go outside! And shut the door behind you!
A few minutes later, three children were eating apples and yogurt.
The door going outside opened and closed at least fifty-three times over the course of tea. Thankfully, there is always hot water and good conversation in abundance. Skinned knees, glitter, and more quests for food rounded out the afternoon. Not quite like how “tea” is pictured in my head when I say it, but it’s better somehow. There is no show, just a lot of love. Conversation is pieced together like a patchwork quilt, all mismatched yet perfect. Beauty is not in decor but in the person sharing that moment. There is nothing expensive, but time is priceless.
Hospitality is not something we must perfect before we do it. Have you ever tried to become perfect at playing the piano without ever practicing first? The Bible says we are to practice hospitality. No where does that mean your house has to be of a certain size, status of clean, or must you have matching dishes in order to be hospitable. It simply means you exude a welcoming spirit into your home and your life. We have sat on buckets as chairs, yet felt like kings and queens, because of love. We have also sat on the finest couches and eaten off matching dishes and felt as if we were intruders. Love opens the china closet and serves the finest wine. Love makes time and never looks at its watch. Love is measured not in what you give, so much as in what you hold back. Until my breath is gone, or the city water supply runs dry, I can always offer a cup of water… preferably hot, poured over a tea bag. 
Christmas Part II
Christmas, part two, was a delightful day at my sister’s house. My entire family was together again.
I grabbed my phone camera to capture this amazing outfit, hand-picked by Betty herself.
I’m quite sure Elsie enjoyed being the only damsel amidst an army of soldiers.
Each cousin picks the name of another cousin to give them a gift. Jack was pleased as punch with a custom-designed lego airplane by his pilot-cousin, Aaron.
My favorite present: An original painting by my sister-artist.
We didn’t get an entire family picture this time around, but we did remember to do a picture of all the sisters!
The original Watt siblings.
Our new niece, Taylor Grace is having a rough week during her Christmas visit to the hospital. She’s a strong little lady, though!
You’ve Gotta Take Care of Those Kids
This was the other day in Target:
I was pushing that train of a cart, gently bumping into the corners of aisles as it turned its wide arch. I smiled brightly at the mom with one baby in her cart, sitting quietly on a clean cart-cover. Betty held a receipt, which doubles as a “tag” in a pinch, so she can suck her fingers. Elijah likes to hide under the cart. Sometimes even the extra nearly hundred pounds I’m trying to push doesn’t clue me in on where he’s gone, so I start calling his name and he laughs from his hiding spot. Switching seats, spotting sparkly boots, and constant chatter makes our trip the usual exhausting but profitable excursion.
Last night, armed with four very large containers of popcorn and Christmas jammies, we drove to nearby neighborhood to watch a local light show. The lights were choreographed to a radio station, and it was pretty impressive.
Tonight little miss Betty must have gotten bit by the giggle bug. When the boys got home from grocery shopping with Matthew, it was close to 10 o’clock. The little girls were still giggling up in their beds. Jack looked at Matthew and said very seriously: You’ve gotta go take care of those kids. I’m not joking.
Betty keeps us laughing. The other day she was playing with her little baby. She had been tucked into bed for about five seconds before Betty leaned gently over her ear and made a soft rooster sound. Time to wake up, baby! She would say, after cock-a-doodle-doo-ing into her ear.
Once when Betty was trying to get out of the kitchen, Elsie asked, What’s the magic word? Right away she replied: Betty!
Today, Matthew and I were trying to have a little bit of snuggle time on the couch. We literally had five pairs of eyes glued on our every move. There is a small sensor that goes off when we start talking or kissing. Immediately, all bodies are within touching distance of ours, or there is some urgent sentence that must be uttered. In the middle of our hug, Jack came over, put his arms around us and said, Group hug! Which in turn led Betty to pile on some more love. As Elsie would say: There’s room for more in this hug! Once we started to kiss, however, Betty squealed, Let’s get out of here! They’re kissing!
The other day, Elsie was discussing age order. Apparently, Elijah was of a “medium” age. She then told Nadine: I remember you sucking your fingers! When, in actuality, she wasn’t even born yet.
This is the face I get when it’s time for bed.
It is also the face I am giving, because I am not one who loves going to bed. I’ve been enjoying the sewing machine and crochet hooks this month. Super secretive things have been in the works. There is much more on my mind to write… but it will have to wait. Right now I’ve gotta take care of this mama, who needs some serious rest.
Grow Old With Me 