I really enjoyed Mother’s Day this year.

I have found that the secret to not letting unrealistic expectations turn me into a stabby lady on Mother’s Day is to TELL MY FAMILY WHAT I WANT and then help set them up for success. Maybe this makes me sound like a diva, but I prefer to think of it as my learning how to voice my desires, and feeling worthy of receiving them.

I picked out a new cardigan I wanted, ordered it ahead of time online and then told the girls they could each chip in $10. Sure, it takes the surprise out of things, but this way I ensure I get something I actually will use and wear and love. And, like I told them, “You can still surprise me! I am just helping you cover the baseline of gifts. Feel free to go above and beyond!”

We ended up having a weenie roast with Steve’s mom for lunch, then went for a nice long hike, and picked up some blizzards (our first takeout in over two months!) then watched a movie in the evening. I had a great day and am so thankful for my family.

This photo popped up in my Facebook memories from seven years and wow, how things have changed. I remember that day, trying to keep three little kids entertained while we waited for our eggs Benny, and how it felt like so much work just to keep the train on the rails.

This quarantine season has reminded me of just how amazing our girls are. They are loud, and strong and opinionated, and kind and funny and smart.

My work has started to pick up again, which is welcome, but also it’s so strange to navigate and assess risk while being out showing houses.

Our province is starting a gradual reopening plan for after this upcoming weekend and while I am excited to see some things go back to some version of normal, it also feels a bit disorienting and scary as there is still this invisible threat out there.

I find myself vacillating between feeling like it’s all going to be ok and then worried that this is still the calm before the storm and a really bad wave of the virus is yet to hit our community. As hard as it was to be on lock-down, there was also a bit of comfort in it, knowing we were doing all that was physically possible to stay safe and healthy.

Oh, black-or-white thinking, you are a tricky animal; grey is harder to walk through.

Happy Tuesday, friends!