Momcation + Sibling Love

I'm writing this from a favorite local coffee shop after enjoying some of its most delicious fare (that I forgot to photograph - what kind of millennial am I?!).  For the past two nights, I have stayed in a hotel room by myself.  I went to bed and woke when I wanted, watched what I chose, swam in the pool (which I had to myself, so I also got a pseudo-sensory-deprivation-moment in addition to an uninterrupted workout), ate what sounded best (and didn't prepare it myself), and completed a few pressing and non-pressing tasks (i.e. school-planning and nail-painting).  Plus, I kicked it all off by Christmas-clearance shopping for an entire day!  My only plan that involved someone else was to go see Wicked with one of my piano students.  The time has been refreshing, wonderful, and the gift it was intended to be.

Of course, there was ample photo documentation of most of it.

Bryant's job has required of him an unprecedented (and unexpected) amount of travel in the last several months.  While this has meant I have solo-parented for days, sometimes weeks, at a time, it has also allowed him to strategically accrue hotel reward points.  We can talk more in person about all the pros and cons of his job, if you'd like, but another relevant "pro" to note here is the fact that his office closes for an extended holiday break.  So, between the free hotel nights he has accumulated and the time he had off between holidays, he was able to gift me a "Momcation." 

Wanting/accepting this kind of time to myself has been a mixed bag for me over the past several years.  There was a season during which I longed for it...and then felt guilty for that longing.  There was a time when I felt selfish even thinking about taking that kind of time for myself, especially when so many are not able to do so.  There have been instances when I have thought that sort of extended time would be self-indulgent, frivolous, and unnecessary...even a form of escapism. 

I still occasionally teeter toward some of those feelings, and even did so momentarily during these last couple of days.  By the grace of God, however, and thanks to my encouraging and supportive husband, I have been able to allow myself to relax, enjoy, and truly lean into this time for myself.  I have rested assured that I am not escaping my day-to-day, but rather, relishing in the treat that is a change of pace, the break from all that comes with stay-at-home-motherhood, and the love and support of a husband who works hard to provide for our family in so many ways.

In other news:

This "footloose and fancy free" time also allowed me to freely (and lavishly) enjoy some favorite gluten-laden entrees and treats before beginning a six-month gluten-free regimen.  Long story short, I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease (I'll let the experts explain more here.).  Because it is not (yet) a severe case, I will be (under the guidance of a functional medicine doctor) adding some natural supplements and removing some potential triggers in order to help support my thyroid into (hopeful) remission.  While the kids could survive solely on cheese quesadillas (and sometimes do, esp. when Daddy is traveling), gluten is not necessarily a huge staple the adults of the family's diet (Bryant will be joining me in this lifestyle adjustment), so I am not overly concerned about making this change.  I did, however, fully enjoy taking advantage of the excuse to enjoy "all the things!" as a last-hurrah before committing to the new diet...especially in case it ends up lasting longer than six months.

I had started compiling the rest of this post during Bryant's most recent work trip.  Despite some long days and trying moments, I was (and still am) in awe of the privilege it is to watch these kiddos learn and grow and love others (especially each other).  Any one of the following pictures could have been its own post, but since I don't always get around to sharing them in real time, I thought I would do so here:    

We began the ritual of leaving each other notes in suitcases even before kids, and now, the kids do it unprompted. According to Jacob, 5 days gone = 5 notes. ♥

Sunday best + feeling sweet = "Mom, take our picture!"

No words. ♥

My piano (and trumpet!) students and I recently hosted our annual Christmas piano recital at a local senior living apartment complex.  We had a great audience, and all the performers did so well!  

This was Lydia's second recital, though she still isn't actually taking lessons (don't tell her, though...).  She decided what she would perform (and how she would perform it) about 24 hours before we did so.  ;)

The excitement to perform was so real!

the annual wearing of the "music dress"

Of course, we celebrated with cookies afterward!

Taking advantage of a mild December day by visiting two parks was not new news or necessarily photo-worthy.  Her going down this slide on her own (closely followed by her encouraging brother), however, was monumental.  She went a few times with Jacob holding onto her, and though she would not try on her own with my encouragement, he worked and worked with her until she felt comfortable doing so with him right behind her, though not touching.  As you can see, they were both so thrilled afterward.  It was just so very precious.

This is on the way to the car afterward. 
They were talking about how brave she was and how proud he was of her.
♥

Pretty sure this girl is entering her crafting era.  She asked me to make a "Christmas hat" for her beloved Mango, and then, she proudly made tiny bracelets for her.

The kids and I joined a few ladies from church on a visit to an assisted living facility to carol and pass out cards the kids had helped make at church.
Jacob happily performed his recital songs...

...and sang carols like a seasoned choir member (though he hasn't done this before in his life).
Lydia was more reserved, but perked up for "Go Tell is on the 'Mountains.'"

Couldn't help but do this "then and now" after he recently got new specs.  Hard to believe we've been on this glasses journey for six years!

Of course, little sis wanted her picture taken, too.  She got an updated pair of the pink glasses she picked out a year ago!

There was more photo shoot where that came from! 
I had waited a couple years to put those Christmas-clearance hair bows to use.  ☺

Thanks, as always, for reading and caring and being interested in the big and small moments of our lives.  Your love and support are so evident in the ways you follow up, whether virtually or in person!  It is all much-appreciated.  Wishing you and yours all the best as the Christmas season comes to an end (on Epiphany, of course!) and the "dead of winter" sets in. 

Refreshedly,

Kensy

Favorites of the day:

so many things (and people!) already mentioned above ;)