The porch

Yes, it's April 8, and yes these daffodils came from my garden. The same daffodils that came up last year continue to bloom for a short season, and I didn't have to do anything to enjoy these. My daughter wanted to cut them...and there're plenty more where they came from.

My days as a working mom are very full. I spend my 9-5 Monday through Friday (and some weekends) job in a church doing ministry, which I love...but it's a lot of work. I actually manage the administrative support team for the pastors in the Adult area of our church and it's a 45+ hour a week job.

I love my family. I tend to details for my mom who lives about a 15 minute drive away in the next suburb over. So, I squeeze in some appointments and time to do a little paperwork for her. I manage my family's bills, doctors appointments, and of course, am finishing up our rather simple taxes. Not to mention I'm the one who does 98% of the cooking, laundry, house keeping, and did I say laundry? I get the kids to daycare and school and pick them up again at the end of the day. I try to get a few chores in after work, but my kids hate grocery shopping.

This is my sanctuary! My screened-in-porch was a HUGE selling point of this house. During the summer months, I find time to wake up just as the sun is rising on Saturdays so I can sneak out here and grab a book and a blanket and feel the dewy air and listen to the songbirds in the neighborhood. In the evenings when it's warm, the kids bring out the telescope and we watch the moon and planets circle the earth. We live too close to the city to really see many stars...but it's fun anyhow. The afternoons in the spring and summer lend to wonderful conversations with neighbors, friends and family over a cold glass of mango lemonade.

I washed off the furniture we purchased last summer and rinsed off the dust and debris from the porch last week when the temps reached 75 degrees. It was officially April 1st when we actually sat outside in 60 degree weather with a couple of blankets, a glass of wine and chatted with our neighbor until way too late that evening. So glad we were on spring break. So...we realized we should have generally six full months of the year when we can really enjoy this porch. I just remember the wonderful memories this porch gave us last summer.

I have really missed this porch over the cold and snowy winter. Funny how you don't really know what you have until it's gone. So grateful this season is back, and I can rest my garden-achy bones and put my feet up and listen to the birds once again.