"I saw a wheat field that appeared to be greener and taller than the others. Thinking about it for awhile, I concluded that occasionally some loving farmer drives over the field with his tractor and pumps manure all over it. I thought, 'My, it's just like life. Here we are minding our own business, growing our little hearts out. We're really quite green, somewhat productive and very sincere. When out of the blue, life deals us a dirty one, and we're up to our eyebrows in manure. We, or course, conclude that life as we have known it has just ended and will never be the same again. But one day, when the smell and the shock are gone, we find ourselves greener and more productive than we have been.' Unfortunately, no matter how often we go through these growing experiences, we are never able to appreciate the sound of the tractor or the smell of the manure." ...Harold W. Wood

i'm feeling very green and very productive. i'm even feeling blessed for the manure that i received over the winter. there is opposition in all things; the spring feels warm and delightful because the winter was so cold and depressing.

the past few weeks, days, even hours have been happy bliss. my mind has been enlightened watching my brother become a true man as he steps towards his wedding. my love has been expanded. my tummy has been full. my friendships fulfilling. i even assembled a chair from ikea for the hub's birthday all.by.my.self! my heart has been full as i watch my kids get along better than they ever have. my joy has been found in having four instead of three.

love.
love.
and more love.

and happy birthday to the hubs. the handsome pants that he is.