the children laugh and play. they are inspired by fairy tales. she does laundry and the intoxicating scent of lavender fills the air. music is playing in the background. music encouraging thoughts of past and dancing amongst the little one. watching the babes twirl about. one of the littles dreaming up the idea of picnic-ing underneath the summer stars. another making a pretend menu of all that is gloriously coated in chocolate and sprinkles. the oldest babe writing down these soon to be famed stories that only he can conjure. puppet shows are acted in and a steady applause from mom and dad brightens those genuine smiles even more so. she has a baby on her hip and he lovingly lays his head in the warmest part of her neck. cuddled close to her. she smells his hair and the tranquil scent is completely captivating. outside is wonderfully dreary. gray and cold. misty and still. their house is warmth, as usual. the oven contains that of fresh baking bread, with the aroma of sea salt and rosemary. candles flicker in each room and create the most delicate and alluring backdrop against the slate colored sky. fresh flowers in each room, a promise of whats to come, a promise of a garden that will soon flourish. a garden that will provide nourishment for our bodies and soul. i watch him as he teaches our boys a certain knowledge that only a man can and i am thankful. thankful that my boys have someone who teaches them in ways that cannot be told, but rather what they see. i watch my girls as they gently put their aprons on and frequent the question “mama, can i help?” a superb gratification that affects them when they know they help mama bake the infamous raw cocoa muffins that make us beam. when i watch my older girl contain this compassionate nature towards the little one, knowing that she will be the epitome of a mother. the fire is built in our grand brick fireplace and the essence of burning wood is a bit heaven sent. as mama sits down to nurse the little one, all nestled and cozy, it is in these moments that life is awe-inspiring. life is worth it. to be surrounded by tenderness and affection is quite simply lovely.
xoxo
shehimthem 