The Howe Family

I borrowed this idea from an old friend. I have a calendar devoted to each of my sons hanging in their room. I write something everyday that is unique to them. A new skill, a funny phrase, trying a new food, etc.

Today Phin told me completely out of the blue, “Mama, you stay home so you can be with me. You stay home so you can hold me.”

I stopped putting away laundry (because I also stay home to do that…) and told him that he was absolutely right. It was incredible to me that even at 2 years old, he could understand the real reason that I stay home.

That is going on the calendar.

I am forever grateful that I can stay home with my boys. Their giggles, smiles, discoveries, and freshness truly fill me. Here are a few shots for the grandparents. Come out to Fort Morgan so you can too see Phin defy gravity! (While Eli sleeps in the wagon…)

My Dad taught me a valuable concept when I was in high school. He would always ask me, “are you surviving or thriving?” I now think about the difference between these two consistently. When I am not thriving- I figure out how to get there.

We have been in Fort Morgan for one year officially. I am happy to say that we are thriving. (However, some days are definitely ‘survival-days.’)

Some highlights of Fort Morgan:

• Our neighbors love our boys
• The librarians know us by name
• We buy farm fresh eggs
• Exceptional outdoor community pool
• Everyone has a garden, so I have thousands of people to ask advice and swap vegetables with
• Our favorite grocery store, Edwards, has the friendliest employees on the planet. The bagger always walks me out to the car to help load my bags. always!  (The WalMart employees are also incredibly friendly- and there is NEVER a long wait in the checkout line.)
• We are gaining an agricultural education
• Phin is accustomed to being around livestock, chickens, and other barn-like creatures.
• The school district still likes Nate.

I am working really hard to keep this post ONLY positive. So I am going to end it here. Thanks to everyone who helped me see the silver lining in this move. It has been a good exercise in trying to thrive in the most unlikely places. Here’s to another year!