Friday, October 28, 2011

Through Christ.

I so needed this today, perhaps one of you does too. Such a beautiful, simple message. I am thankful that my God makes me strong when I am weak.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Comforting Cuddles.

I may not want to fully admit it, but my baby boy is growing up before my own eyes. A sweet family moment this evening not only left me in tears, but later... after I had tucked in my little guy I found myself looking through photos. My has he changed.

It seems like just yesterday that I snuggled him to my chest for the very first time. So, when he did so tonight, after daddy asked him to give mommy a hug... I couldn't hold back the tears. Tears of joy for the sweet little boy I have been blessed with. Tears of joy mixed with tears of sorrow because I am missing home and family... and it is just so hard to be far away when I know my grandpa isn't doing well and other loved ones are going through hard times.

But tonight, when my sweet Kaleb just held on to me and cuddled as I lay on John's lap, it wss as if God was answering my prayers right then and there. Kaleb was his instrument of comfort.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Day Four of Four.

John has been on the road for the past four days, his team won their season debut and are playing on the road as I type. I am hoping they get this win and get home soon, I am missing my other half. Looking forward to a family day tomorrow, absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

Here are the small things that have meant so much to me these past days:

1. Kaleb getting excited as we came home from a trip to the zoo the first day John was away. We got to the hallway of our apartment and he kept repeating "dada dada dada." Although I was sad that daddy wasn't here to greet him, it made my heart happy that he recognizes home now.

2. Someone higher up finally decided it was time for the heaters in the city to be turned on! I was wearing Uggs around the apartment yesterday and was getting ready to go buy Kaleb a warm sleep sack when they turned them on. Oh the things we take for granted in the States, like being able to heat your home according to your own will!

3. Finding Sudocrem. If you have mothered in Europe there is a good chance you will know this product I am referring to. Kaleb has a bad case of diaper rase and our California Baby rash cream just wasn't cutting it. So out with cloth for a bit and in with disposables and the best- diaper- rash- cream- ever.

4. I had one of those magical motherhood moments last night. The one where you just want the whole world to freeze so that you can take everything in. It was cold and rainy, we had been shopping... Kaleb was tired and I was dreading getting all our stuff from the car to the apartment. And so, we ran. In doing so Kaleb started giggling away... half out of excitement and half out of awe. I wanted the world to stop. My sweet little boy reminding me to find delight in the little things, even if it was something I wasn't overly eager about at first.

5. Kaleb's rosy cheeks after playing for a good 30 minutes with his yellow ping pong ball. He'd throw it... chase after it... throw it again. Bring it to me... take a few steps here and there... but mostly just crawl on his knees. Honestly, I have never seen another child do such a thing, but he crawls upright on his knees only. So funny. Oh buddy, please walk soon. Anyway.... back to the point: Kaleb's face was bright red by the time we were done, as if he had just ran a mile. I should have taken a picture because it was pretty cute. I finally made him stop and get ready for bed.

Ready for bed as soon as this game finishes... up by 12 with a little over three minutes to go. Go Trefl!

-Suzanne

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Made it....

Made it.... by turekfamily
Made it...., a photo by turekfamily on Flickr.

to La Crema. I savored a delicious latte with perfect foam. It is super cute inside, just as I suspected from my view from the outside. Oh how I adore cafes in Europe!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Friday Night Sunset.

Last night was serene.

Watching the sunset while enjoying a pizza and greek salad picnic with my two favorite boys. The sound of waves softly crashing onto the shore serving as soothing background music. Cold sand between our toes reminding us that it is fall. Old and young alike soaking up the scene before them and reminding me just how similar we all are.

Relaxing.
Goodnight Sun.


Peaceful.
Goodnight Sun.


Beautiful.
Goodnight Sun.