This is normal, right?

Benji had an ear infection this week! Poor baby, on tuesday I took the day off to stay with him. He and I really enjoyed a day together. I kept thinking I should knit or whatever, but I just found myself watching him play! He's getting to that age, where he can occupy himself with the kitchen set, or blocks or trucks. Or...his sister's ski helmet...(normal right????)

He did have a special visitor before his nap: Poppy!

They played very well together--with Ben orchestrating the activity (which was hilarious!)
Poppy even read him a few books before Benji and I went upstairs to snuggle in for a snooze.
He's feeling better now!

What a Beauty!

My girl is growing into such a beauty!  I don't know where she gets her photogenic looks from, but sometimes she takes my breath away!  

Let the Spring Festivities Commence!

We've been gearing up for Spring here in the Lynch household...with warmer weather, we've been taking walks and looking for signs of spring...we've seen crocus sprouts and daffodil sprouts too!  Our yard is still pretty snowy, but we're eager to see the fruits of all our bulb planting labors!!!

On the afternoon of the Equinox, Mia & Benji found special presents waiting for them...Mia got an amber necklace and the sweater I made for her, and Benji got a new Gerda Mueller book "Spring."  Admittedly, Benji was more interested in getting down to his afternoon nursing, but both loved looking at the pictures of the book and imagining the Spring to come!

Here's a corner of our house, I've taken to decorating it seasonally as well, but we still have our nature shelf in the kitchen for items collected, as well as beloved Ruth Elsasser seasonal postcards and seasonal wooden trees and animals.  I love love love pussy willows!  
We also planted some seeds this weekend!  Wish us luck with our peas, echinacea and poppies!
Happy Spring...although the flakes were flying here today, I hear we're in for some gorgeous weather!  Stay tuned...

Spring Equinox

Happy Spring Equinox Friends! (Image from Tasha Tudor's website)

Cheers to a new season and the joys of spring!

Et Voila...

Look!  It is finally done & I love it!!!  I am so proud of Tom!  He did such great work and he finished before spring (just in the nick of time!)  I seriously look for reasons to wash my hands!  

Thinking spring!

Spring cleaning, nesting balls and wellies in snow!  I love how in NH, 45 degrees means Spring has sprung!!!

Where I am today...

You know sometimes it is weird teaching in the same high school that I went to. Sometimes, I think back to that high school girl and feel like I don't even know her, and other times, I know her all too well. Her hopes and dreams are my reality. I feel fortunate to say that. I've been on a journey since I left these walls as a student. I discovered much more than distant lands and cultures. I found that location is just a dot on the map, but inner peace comes from within. The grass is not greener, if you don't know what you're looking for. So, I came full circle, back home, to the comfort of my family, and unknowingly to the comfort of my love's arms.

We live a charmed life for sure, money may not grow on trees for us, but love flourishes in abundance--my life's greatest harvest. Being here, in my hometown, is easy in someways, familiar, but being here as an adult is all together different. I feel cerebreal these days as spring approaches. As we all shed the extra layers of protection of winter, I wonder perhaps I should shed some of my protective outer layers as well.

What am I holding back? Honestly, with the exception of being a little more forthcoming when my feelings are hurt, I feel I have become the woman I always wanted to be. So, as I gaze into a vacant classroom, I imagine my student self and I smile. She would be happy to see me, I feel happy to have been her and even happier to be me.

I just felt like sharing today friends...p e a c e.

What I am grateful for today.

I am having one of those grumpy, grouchy days. Maybe it is a case of the mondays, or snow after the spring like weekend. But, I need a bit of cheer. In an attempt to lift my spirits, I am counting my blessings. Here is what I feel grateful for these days:

1. My sister. Being 4 years apart, we were not super close growing up, but now she is my best friend. I can count on her for anything. She has us over every wednesday for dinner and is determined to be a big part of my kids lives. She is beautiful, brilliant and kind. It will be one of my life's greatest pleasures to see her become a Mama. Love you Did.

Us in Ireland, at Bunratty Castle, 2006

2. Benji & Babywearing. I don't get to wear him that often anymore as he approaches 18 months. But, I am so glad that I wore him as often as I did in his infancy. I love the maya wrap and ergo. He was a delightful infant and I was a calm(er) and attached Mama with him on me. Thanks Benji for letting me love you and tote you around.

Benji peeks out from my back at the Shaker Village Harvest fest in October 2008.

3. My kids. I know it is a bit cliche, but I really love my kids. I think they are fantastic. They are lively and exhausting, but sweet and completly lovable.

Eating in the apple orchard, September 2008.

4. Wooden toys. There are virtually no plastic toys in my house. I am proud of this. It helps limit the "junk" toys and emphasize quality over quantity. It is so easy to get in the habit of buying tons of little crappy toys with the character du jour on it. I have tried to take a firm stance against this. Sometimes it is hard, but for me to actually think my children's toys are beautiful and delightful to look at, that makes it worth it. Don't our children deserve it?

Toy shelf in our living room

5. 4 Generations of mothers and daughters together. We actually are together a lot. Mimi, Mom, Me & Auntie, Mia. I am so fortunate to have this kind of circle to raise my children in. Lucky me and lucky Mia & Benji.

The 5 Keller-White-Lynch Women at Blarney Castle, 2006

6. Heirlooms. I feel lucky that a lot of the "things" in my home have been passed down to me by my Mother and Mimi. They might not have monetary value, but they make me feel connected to my heritage and I like to surround myself with things that make me smile.

German "weather" station from Mimi.

7. Gardens. I am looking forward to my little gardens again. We don't have a lot of property, but I enjoy tending my little herb and veggie bed and my flower beds. I am going to start some seedlings on the equinox and try my hand at a sweet pea teepee! I like dreaming about summer treats while it is snowing. The rhythms of the seasons give me great pleasure.

Mia enjoying some garden fresh peas at Auntie KJ's 1st annual fourth of July celebration.

8. Vive la France! I am so lucky that I have traveled. I lived in France and had already fallen in love with the language and culture long before I arrived to stay for a bit. Now I make my living sharing that love with my students. I am counting my blessings (and trying to be positive) to have the opportunity to spend 10 days in April in France and Spain.

Audrey (nouvelle Maman à Juliette) et moi devant la Tour Eiffel (janvier 2006)

So there are 8 things making me happy. Ahhh, I feel much better now. And you? What are you grateful for?

Bathroom renovation part 1

What seems like an eternity ago (but was really only about 8 weeks), we started a complete renovation of the downstairs bathroom/laundry room.  The floor was quite complicated, and we (and by we, I mean Tom) had to remove multiple layers of damaged tile, linoleum and plywood.  Tom with the help and guidance of Dave (we love you Dave!) installed gorgeous ceramic tile!  I love love love the new floor.

Here's a shot of the flooring issue!

As for the walls, nothing is simple, we removed the ugly wallpaper, and then Tom replaced damaged sheet rock, mudded, taped and mudded where previous owners never did (!), and primed the walls.

Benji always wants to "help" out!

Check out the floor under the drop cloth!  Beautiful!  Today we are painting a lovely blue color! 

 Mia "helps" by painting her name onto the wall!

The lovely and talented assistants.

I am truly hoping that in the very near future I can post pictures of a finished (and working) bathroom!  Hooray!  I thank Tom for his hard work, he really does a quality job and doesn't cut corners.  There is no duct tape and bungee cords for him!  

This is my life...

Oh, Influenza B, stop bothering my family!!!

I had it 2 weeks ago, Benji had it 1 week ago, and now Mia has it.  I know what you're thinking, I am considering flu shots for next year.  Guess who had the shot this year?  Tom.  Guess who hasn't been sick this year?  Yup, Tom again.

Despite fevers and aches, the kids handle it a lot better than I did.  I was flat in bed moaning.  It was no fun...I think we need to have some spring air here in NH!  This house needs to be aired out!
We do love jammies and snuggly blankets though!  

Happy Birthday Grammie!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Mother!  She looks radiant in this picture from my wedding.  She is an inspiration to me and all who know her.  I am fortunate to have such a strong and soulful mother.  She taught me about generosity and family.  Thanks Mom!  Have a wonderful day.

New do!

Mia has been begging for weeks now to get her hair cut "just like Mama's."  Well, this weekend we obliged!  She went for a fancy new hair do at the Salon.  My little hedonist loved every minute of it...from the hair washing...

To the cutting (she sat so still!)...
To the end result!  I think she looks adorable...and it will definitely reduce our morning hair brushing struggles!