This week marked the two year anniversary of the death of my Grandmother. I cannot believe it's been two years!

I made sure to take time this week to remember what an amazing woman she was and how much she enriched my life. I think of her every day and continually see things that remind me of her. Last week I almost bought a gigantic pair of red sunglasses that looked horrible on me, simply because they looked like those huge glasses she used to wear! I draw strength every day from remembering what a strong-willed, amazingly intelligent, and kind person she was. I miss you Grandma!

Simple Woman's Daybook

A woman named Peggy Hostetler created the Simple Woman's Daybook, an idea I love. http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Peggy says, "Are you content to linger on the simple things of life?...then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity...the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!".

Lingering on the simple things in life is something I am forever striving toward and I thought this would be a great once-a-week exercise for me to keep this goal in mind.

FOR TODAY (July 9, 2009)

Outside my window...a beautiful summer day, a quiet neighborhood

I am thinking...about how to maximize the time I have

I am thankful for...being home with my baby today after a VERY successful first week back at work. I am especially thankful for Sadie's two grandmas who took such good care of her while I was gone.

From the kitchen...tonight....potato and green been salad, grilled pineapple and peaches

I am wearing...flip flops...yeah!

I am creating...a home and a family

I am going...to storytime!

I am reading...The Women by T.C. Boyle....what a great author and interesting topic

I am hoping...for peace and progress

I am hearing...the washing machine, the dog, and naptime sounds

Around the house...laundry, projects, acoustic instruments

One of my favorite things...making lists, and gradually learning to ignore them sometimes

A few plans for the weekend: game night with friends, bluegrass and a picnic dinner with my parents, and a pick or two!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I think Lily and Sadie are starting to figure each other out :)

Mother's Day

I know it's a little late, but Happy Mother's Day to all you mamas! I had a wonderful first mother's day (as a mother) and was so happy to spend the day with my amazing, brilliant, interesting, beautiful, and inspiring mother.

Sadie was almost 3 months old on Mother's Day and I took the opportunity to reflect on my first three months as a mother.

I suppose you can officially be considered a mother when your baby is conceived, and you fully take on that role when your baby is born, but I really feel like I didn't BECOME a mother until right around Mother's Day, when Sadie was almost three months old.

My first three months postpartum were truly a blur. Those first weeks home after Sadie's birth were filled with recuperating, recovering, resting, and reflecting after an intense and amazing birth experience.

Time flew by as I learned how to hold, feed, change, bathe, comfort, sing and talk to my daughter. Sadie's angelic demeanor definitely allowed me to enjoy her first few months more than I may have if she had been fussy or hadn't been sleeping so well.

Every moment that Sadie and I spent together was a learning experience for both of us. By trial and error, I got a handle on some logistics (breastfeeding, sleeping, and sucking all those Colorado boogers out of her nose). I had a lot of help and support from family, friends (especially those other mamas in my life), and mostly from my amazingly wonderful husband. Brian's support, love, insight, and comforting manner have truly allowed me to enjoy new motherhood to its fullest. Brian, thank you for making me a mother. It is absolutely the best thing that has ever happened to me!

But the person I have learned the most from in these past few months is my daughter.

Sadie Caroline, you have taught me about patience (this is a big one), about the value of sitting quietly and staring into your baby's eyes, and about the pure beauty of a baby's smile. I have learned to love and respect your father more than I ever thought possible. You have helped me to become a better listener. Because of you I have gained a new kind of confidence in myself and I have found myself being completely selfless for the first time in my life.

A quote from one of my favorite books....The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant

"I could not get my fill of looking. There should be a song for women to

sing at this moment or a prayer to recite. But perhaps there is none because

there are no words strong enough to name that moment. "

Lucky Baby

Last weekend Sadie's Great-Grandpa Sharp came all the way from Omaha, NE for a visit.

The whole family got together at our house on Friday night for a bbq, and Sadie was on her best behavior. (However, Lily was not and was banished to the garage. Poor Lily...)

On Saturday we spent the day in Colorado Springs with Grandpa Sharp and the rest of the Peterson family. And in honor of Grandpa's Scottish heritage, Sadie wore her kilt for the occasion! She looked like a mini-bagpiper.

Sadie is so lucky to have three great-grandparents and that she's already met both her great-grandfathers. We are so thankful that Grandpa Sharp was able to make the trip out to meet his first great-grandchild.