We might as well love our life, and fill it with what we love. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut, and forget that we chose the colors we use to paint.
The weekend was good. We got to use lots of colors. Last night we had a night out, celebrating one in our village.
![photo FullSizeRender 10_zps6exbnmqw.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/FullSizeRender%2010_zps6exbnmqw.jpg)
Andrea- the birthday girl, me, Heather and Wynema. Best time ever. We danced all night to classic rock by Borrowed Time, an awesome local band.
![photo IMG_6787_zpsxuogtlb0.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/IMG_6787_zpsxuogtlb0.jpg)
We were at a legendary dive bar called Jimbos, and it did not disappoint.
And today we spent time with the trees. A yearly magical ritual that began the first February after we moved to the Central Valley of California, 5 years ago. The first moment I ever drove by an orchard I thought- I must take the boys there to play.
![photo _MG_8791_zpszfvqr9aw.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8791_zpszfvqr9aw.jpg)
![photo _MG_8795_zpsiw6namd8.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8795_zpsiw6namd8.jpg)
We get to run...
![photo _MG_8866_zpsx4wgy4ie.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8866_zpsx4wgy4ie.jpg)
And jump...
![photo _MG_8783_zps1sgzenvm.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8783_zps1sgzenvm.jpg)
And take in all the beauty around us. Parker is happiest outdoors. He would sleep out there if we let him.
![photo _MG_8881_zpsfq30cisb.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8881_zpsfq30cisb.jpg)
![photo _MG_8854_zpsaijavlzh.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8854_zpsaijavlzh.jpg)
![photo _MG_8825_zpsuizxxzi3.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8825_zpsuizxxzi3.jpg)
![photo _MG_8857_zpsxvcsy8l0.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8857_zpsxvcsy8l0.jpg)
When the wind blows, petals float like feathers from the trees. It's beautiful, a white winter wonderland where the silence is only punctuated by the sound of petals hitting the ground.
![photo _MG_8844_zps0e0rl4dd.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8844_zps0e0rl4dd.jpg)
![photo _MG_8947_zpszgsx1igu.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8947_zpszgsx1igu.jpg)
![photo _MG_8969_zpsersdn36s.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8969_zpsersdn36s.jpg)
![photo _MG_8980_zpsmks06qwn.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8980_zpsmks06qwn.jpg)
We climbed from her branches...
![photo _MG_8985_zpsfg0fbmia.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8985_zpsfg0fbmia.jpg)
![photo _MG_9028_zpshaqyk9gf.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_9028_zpshaqyk9gf.jpg)
I was lying on the ground taking pictures when Parker turned around and excitedly ran over to me. I handed Michael the camera and just loved on him.
![photo _MG_8906_zpsvckclkj9.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8906_zpsvckclkj9.jpg)
![photo _MG_8910_zpsls988al4.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8910_zpsls988al4.jpg)
This? When he puts his little dimpled hands on either side of my face and melts into my soul- that's my favorite.
Trees are perfect, just the way God made them- right?
![photo _MG_8963_zpswkemstcl.jpg](http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae49/prattc43/FEBRUARY%202016/_MG_8963_zpswkemstcl.jpg)
We never wish they were taller or shorter or less brown. We never say, "I wish the blooms were yellow instead of white." Nope, we just love them, appreciate them. Gather their fruit or nuts.
We should try to love and accept ourselves and others, like we love those trees. God made us both perfectly just the same.
Get your prettiest colors ready for the week ahead.
Much Love,
Chrissy
♡♡♡
ReplyDeleteI can not begin to tell you how much this was exactly what I needed today. Your words are like a healing balm to my core. Thank you for the way you live so very bravely honest and authentic.
ReplyDeleteLove you and your sons very much!
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are magic. I want to take pictures just like yours!!
ReplyDeleteColleen
BEAUTIFUL.
ReplyDeleteBreathtaking photos
ReplyDelete