Monday Mail

I've been feeling so very blessed lately. I've received so much *love* in my mailbox and my heart is so full of gratitude! This beautiful letter arrived today from sweet Anita. I love the flowers! The day before she sent an envelope of historical info about her city for Bella. So fun.

And this AMAZING scarf from Kimberly made me *swoon*! She picked the purple yarn out just for me...I am so humbled and in awe of her. The best part is that Kimberly and I randomly ran into each other at the Portland Saturday Market after being in touch online for quite some time. So crazy.

Cheryl and I have written back and forth several times...she sent this lovely handmade paper folder with textured paper inside. On the back, it says:

"In Nepal, we would never write on the card, it is considered to be part of the gift. This card is meant to be used over and over again, with just the insert being replaced. The older the card is, the more valuable it becomes because of all of the giving that has been associated with it, when it is finally worn out, please frame it and hang it in your home as a sign of prosperity. You can sign and date the card if you like to document it's travel."

How fabulous is that?! I've so enjoyed corresponding with Cheryl...even though my heart is breaking for her family right now as her husband is battling cancer. Please lift them up in your prayers and thoughts.

I always love receiving mail from another country. I'm in awe of the mail system and that a little package can make it's way ALL the way across the ocean to my mailbox. It's a miracle! This is the necklace that beautiful Helly sent me from Australia. It feels SO good on...so smooth and lovely. I've been wearing it almost every day...the weight of it is comforting and yummy. The carved piece of wood is made from reclaimed wood from the goldfields.  She has had an Etsy store in the past, so I'll be sure to let you know if/when she stocks it again! :)

My cousin Trish sent me a fun package with some goodies, including some chai spice mate and chai flavored honey...she knows what I like!

There have been several other day-brightening letters and packages...and I'm sure I'm missing someone. But thank you so much to all!

I believe in the POWER OF THE MAILBOX! Make someone's day. Send mail.

I've been having fun sending out goodies myself...mail makes me so happy!

Mountains, Muffins, and Mamas

Our day began with a trip to Louisville for the unschooling park day. It was our first time going and we were excited! The most wonderful thing about living in Longmont is that no matter where you drive, there are mountain views!

Taking care of a baby AND hoops is a big job.

Watching Care Bears. "Tenderheart! Tenderheart! The caring meter dropped two whole points!"

Had fun hooping and getting to know these unschooling families...and so many more! Such fun to finally connect. Looking forward to more fun days like this!

On our way home, I decided to drive around downtown Louisville a bit because it's ADORABLE. Came across this sweet house for rent right in the middle of it all. I had a little fantasy about living in the tiny red house. Then I snapped out of it ;)

Came across a green VW bus. I cannot help but take photos of sweet busses. I miss ours!

We stopped at Starbucks for passion tea and cake pops.

Colorado is amazing.

Once at home, we decided to make banana muffins. But we pretended we were in a competition and had to present to judges :) Bella added maple yogurt, chocolate, and strawberries to hers. Delicious!

Lucy enjoyed the muffins by candlelight.

We turned our enclosed front porch into a "house" and made beds there while we waited for Daddy to come home from work.

I hung up my favorite flags and sat back and sighed...remembering all of the places they have blown in the wind and the conversations we've had beneath them. And my heart was happy.

It was a very good day.

Showing Kindness

The weather was GORGEOUS today so we jumped on our bikes and headed to the park! Lucy LOVES riding in the Burley and Bella and I LOVE riding our bikes, so everyone is happy :)

We arrived at the park and Bella instantly disappeared into the gaggle of kids already playing. Lucy and I hung out and worked on her sand play "etiquette". As in, sand doesn't go in other little girls' hair. Even if it looks pretty.

After about 15 minutes, Bella came over to me and said:

"Mom, I can watch Lucy while you go read your book..."

Wow. Really?! Now that got me excited :) Mostly because I really like the book I'm reading right now** but even more so because of what I saw in Bella's simple action. Just the fact that she thought about me and decided to show me this kindness (even though she was deep in play with her new friends)...it was so touching and it made my mama heart sing :)

After leaving the park we headed over to Caffe Luna, where we sipped cold drinks, sat on the porch and enjoyed the sun a bit more before heading home to our nest.

**I haven't written about downsizing/organizing/simplifying in awhile and I'm excited chat with you about it soon...it's spring cleaning time baby! :)