on slowing down.

Right now, Hendo is down for his afternoon nap. I've just finished taking a blanket in from off the line and putting a casserole in the fridge for dinner tonight. My house is relatively clean and after writing this and picking up a few toys, I'm cracking open a Diet Coke and reading the book I've been renewing for the last two months, "The Guide to Simple Living" (which I've written about before).

My days have been more like this and less like the crazy pace I was used to. I'm slowing down, deliberately. I finished the documentary "No Impact Man" the other day. There is a scene in the middle of the movie, where Colin Beavan talks about how doing away with air conditioning forced his family outside. How, being without a TV forced them off of the couch. Suddenly, they had to be creative with their free time. In this scene, his daughter dunks her head in a park fountain, the joy in her face is undeniable. We're a couch culture, a comfort culture. And, there is definitely a place for vegging out every now and again, but, I would argue, it's not as good for our souls.

I realized how down I was, and so, I've been getting out more. I've been closing this computer screen and sitting on the floor with Henry more. Yesterday, Eric and I started tilling up ground for our fall garden. I've been staying up late by myself so I have time I need to breathe and rest. I've been saying "no" to engagements, not because I don't adore the people in my life, but because otherwise, I'd have a full schedule, and I don't want one. I've been praying a LOT more and forcing myself to challenge those parts of myself I don't like very much.

I've been slowing down, and for me? It's better this way.

Hey, Hey, Vacay!

I've been joyfully MIA the last few weeks. We just got back from a long and lovely time in Illinois. Eric, Hendo and I took a 28 hour train ride. Henry was a peach, and if it weren't for the woman who sat behind us calling every friend and family member squawking, "I'M ON A TRAIN!" What's that? I can't hear you, because I'M ON A TRAIN!" till 1 in the morning, I honestly think it would have been one of our favorite trips of all time.

us in the dining car

We arrived in Illinois greeted by my grandma, who worships Henry, and my Dad, who cried at the sight of us. We spent the first week with my grandparents, my Aunt Gloria and my entire family (including my long missed sister, who has been serving the past year in the Peace Corps of Moldova). We swam, ate great food, went to the museum, worshipped in church and mostly just hugged each other a whole lot. We finished up the week at the Markel farm, where one of my dearest friends, Lindsey Markel, married her best friend, Larry Gates. I was honored to stand up as a best lady and even got to officiate the ceremony. It was the most perfect day and weekend. We celebrated with a farm full of my favorite people till Henry started screaming for sleep. He past out before our car left the driveway. Eric and I held hands the entire way home, so thankful for our love. Good weddings will do that to ya.

photo taken by the beautiful james-y calder.

Eric flew home the next morning (work= BOOOO), and Henry and I went back home to set up for my little brother's graduation party. My Grandparents left earlier in the week and the next day, my Grandma Jane and Aunt Lori (who I share a birthday with) arrived. We spent most of Trey's party outside catching up with them. I am so honored to have so many strong and beautiful women in my life. I spent a lot of time just stepping back and being truly thankful for that.

grandma jane, hendrix blowing kisses and aunt lori

my grandpa, henry and grandma

Monday morning, after they left, Hendrix, Cora and I headed off to the park, where 15 of my former students showed up for a little reunion. Seeing some of them brought me to tears. I can't tell you how blessed I am to actually have LOVED my students so deeply. I am even more blessed that the love is reciprocated.

me and my kiddos.

The rest of the week was filled with visits and adventures. Notably, I got to hang out with my good friend, Laura and her amazing boys. I also was reunited with the beautiful and talented, Rebecca Smith, who you may know from Better Life Bags. I haven't seen her since I was 20! She's mama to two of the sweetest babes ON EARTH.

hartrich fam and smith fam

All in all, the trip was about Henry getting to really know his Northern relatives. Each morning, Henry woke up calling for one person or another, and they would all shake off the sleep from their face and scream with joy at his presence. I can't tell you how amazing it is to see the love I have for my son duplicated in my family. There aren't words for how much I'll miss that.

uncle trey and hendo

the whole fam.

On the flight(s) back, Henry was a perfect angel. We got off the plane, travelled down an escalator and ran straight into Dad and Ya-ya's arms. We are SO BLESSED.