Week In The Life™ 2018 | Tuesday Words + Photos

Today, as I was going about my day, I thought a lot about slowing and savoring. On my @ae_wellness account over on Instagram I did a video/story chat talking about how I'm looking for opportunities to take things slow in a variety of aspects of my life.

So to tell the story of my day I'll be using the prompt "savoring." Savoring doesn't mean everything is perfect and awesome - it really just means I'm intentionally looking for the good within the moments of everyday life.

In our house there are a lot of moving pieces - kids going here and there with activities and friends and lots of chatter. I am continually working on embracing the flow of our days - some days that feels easy and other days I'm resisting the flow and running old tapes in my head. Today included a combination of both.

Savoring the time it takes to get kids to and from school. I know it won't last forever. I take Simon + Anna and Aaron takes Isaac, Elliot and Audrey. Right now they are at four different schools - next year they will each be at a different school. One of the things I love about the morning and afternoon drive right now is that Simon is into a couple local radio stations and he loves to look at me as each new song comes on to see if I know it or not. It's a little game we've been playing for awhile that I love.

Savoring moments like this when I get to eat breakfast outside on the porch before diving into my work. Today our morning weather was amazing. I ate my breakfast and read our local paper.

Photo note: I took one shot and decided to just go with the blurred background image.

Savoring the way the white lilacs reach all the way up to the sky. I recorded an around-the-yard video that I'll share here next week.

Savoring my morning walk in the sunshine and then the transition to work. Listened to The Daily + a podcast called Westworld: The Recapables (because Westworld is RAD).

Not sure that I actually savor anything about this one - ha. This cat searches out water everywhere. No water is safe here. I do enjoy him very much (which is one of the definitions of savor).

Savoring my list of work stuff including shooting images and videos for the new Story Kit™ theme that will come out on the 13th.

Savoring the nap I took in the middle of the day when I felt bone-tired.

Savoring a few minutes of sitting in the car in silence with a new book while I wait to pick up Anna. This is a super quick read called Destination Simple: Everyday Rituals For A Slower Life. Super practical tips for slowing down and making more intentional choices throughout the day.

Savoring the rain drops on the car windshield. Sun + rain = happy plants.

Savoring this cheerful young lady. I enjoy her company so much.

Savoring the fact that these two like to go to bookstores too. Today it was Simon's idea because he had a gift card and wanted to get a Star Wars cook book that he had seen previously. Anna picked up a couple books and I grabbed one (yeah, I remember what I said yesterday but I justified it because it's from the kid section and one of them might read it eventually).

Savoring how into the art journaling both girls are right now. Audrey got up and did it this morning before school and they both did more this evening.

Savoring the chopping. Tonight I made Against All Grain's Instant Pot Mexican Chicken Soup (following my menu plan here). Simon, who has never been much of a soup fan, felt like it was too spicy. Audrey protested some about the spice and the "unknown" ingredients. Everyone else loved it.

Savoring photos like this when you just get lucky. Lucky that we can see Simon's smile. Lucky that both Aaron and Isaac are actually off the ground as they did a warm up for an exercise routine.

Savoring this relationship between these two.

And savoring the relationship between these two as well. They rode bikes to the pool for a couple hours.

Savoring the flow of the evening. I ate with the girls on the first shift and then Aaron ate with the boys during the second shift after they came back from the pool. They were also playing the game Punderdome while sitting at the table (I am terrible at that game).

Savoring showers for all the kids tonight. Ha. Savoring how they play.

Savoring the quiet at the end of the day. Super ready for bed today.

Wrapping things up a little earlier tonight so I can tuck people in and get into my bed and do some reading.

You are invited to share a link to your Tuesday words + photos in the comments below.