hello friends.  it has been a whirlwind of a summer.  and a very emotional one.  one of learning, growing and loving.  it has drained me to my core - not in such a way that i feel empty, but that i feel raw.  i am happy to be home, happy to return to the simple routine of waking up to a bed full of baby girls and making coffee on the stove every morning.  of reminding myself that my family and dear friends are the most important things in my life and to do everything i can to help make their existence a beautiful and happy one.  of making dinner every night and not looking at it as a chore - but an adventure - a challenge - therapy.  remembering to walk away from what i am doing, no matter the perceived importance, is so very important if it means holding my girls a little longer, brushing curls from their cheeks and kissing their perfect noses.  slowing down while in hand, catching up.  wish me luck...

xoox~jla

p.s.  a new short story here.

Comments

[Jen]

yes, yes, yes. Good to have you back.

[Kelly]

glad to see you here. hope all is well.

[Jodi Anderson]

These sentiments really resonate with me today ... in ways that I can't even begin to describe.

Thanks for sharing the beauty.

[Marjorie]

What a lovely post. Nice to have you back.

[c]

You are such a beautiful writer. Lovely inspiration from this blog.
All the best,
c from paisleypetunia dot com

[Melissa]

I only wish I was in the 'hood to share a glass of wine with you, my friend. I hope your evening is comfortable and comforting. Miss you.

[procrastination mama]

Ditto. You make me want to be a better mum too. x

[Donna Good]

lovely. lovely.

[Jen @ MaplenCornbread]

Very nice to have you back, wiser with great life lessons for those little things..something we can all always learn!

[britt]

i'm glad to see you posting again!

[cheryl]

Hi! So glad I found your beautiful blog. Formerly a Nebraskan myself, I found you through a guide you put together on Omaha for Design*Sponge. Lovely images, moving words. Thanks!

[Anna]

I know that raw through and through. Sometimes while intently looking into the boys' gorgeous faces, I have to ask myself how I can lose track of the moments to savor in order to accomplish something. :-) It shouldn't be a challenge, but it is! Glad you're back...can't wait to see you!

[gine]

oh what a wonderful cute picture ^^ .. love it!! happy you're back ^^ ... XOXO

[Carol]

Great to have you back Jen!

[jla]

thank you ladies - it is so good to be back. and thank you for your lovely words - to know that others connect to these same emotions gives me strength... missed you all! xoox

[rachel]

welcome back! sounds like you have your priorities in all the right places.

[Caitlin]

Absolutely adorable photo!

[Bali Beach Bunny]

such a perfect post.
spot on.
enjoy your day

[ryan manning]

hi

[sara]

beautiful words, heartfelt.