So. Yeah. You guys are awesome.
Between the comments and the emails, I felt like I had this great community of friends surrounding me. I feel supported and (do not let the syrup gag you) loved.
To clarify something important, I am not depressed. Depression is an ugly beast that I have not wrestled with. I have many people close to me who struggle with it, and it is absolutely awful.
A few people pointed out that they had no idea how I was feeling, as I always come across as so “cheery” and “up”.
The truth is, I am an Eternal Optimist. Even when I am battling things inside, my outer appearance is of the chipper sort. It is not a show; I simply exude (annoying) happiness most of the time, regardless of how I am feeling. I honestly cannot help it. Shoot me, PLEASE. Put me out of my (giddy) misery.
What this means is that if I am brought to tears it is usually something of great proportion. Or, you know, PMS.
Same difference.
Yesterday was another stellar spring day. By “stellar”, I mean that the temperature was above zero. And it DID NOT SNOW. This is cause for great celebration around here.
I took the kids to the park in the morning. Yes, we live on an acreage, but sometimes a change of scenery is good. We ended up at the swings.
There was not a baby swing, so Miss Emily sat on my lap and swung with me for awhile. She soon tired of the constraint and wandered off in search of the ducks that live on the creek.
I started really swinging. The wind was whistling, my hair was blowing, my feet were pumping.
It felt good. Very good.
I need to swing more often. Like, daily.
We have been spending the majority of our daytime hours outside. The kids (and us adults) have had cabin fever for WAY TOO LONG. Miss Emily is also working on a bottom molar which is, of course, AWESOME.
Outside seems to make everything better. And the screaming a little quieter.
Our kids love to be outside, even when it is PICKING COLD.
Happy! Despite the fact that it is after supper and the North Wind is FREEZING MY HINEY OFF!
I just kept chanting, “I am in my Happy Place“, but that somehow just makes me feel colder. Harumph.
I did, however, manage to snap this photo of Mr. Charmer.
Ladies, guard your daughters.
So. Yeah. I am GOOD. Better than good, actually.
Tomorrow is Good Friday, which is also better than good. Actually.
And how might you be?
30 Comments
Ah, I love to swing as well!! There is something so freeing & liberating about it. I’m glad it helped you today 
I hope you get some warmer weather soon. It feels like you’ve been blanketed with snow and freezing temps for ages now! I want to see those summery shots of your kids down by the lake. Even if that means it will be winter down here, LOL!
Hannah’s last blog post..Fight Like A Girl
Ooooh, and I love the new banner!! Gorgeous colour!
Hannah’s last blog post..Fight Like A Girl
Comment by Hannah on March 20th, 2008 @ 12:42 amI just saw this quote and your post brought it back to mind:
“Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly” GKChesterton
Swinging can feel like flying…we all need to “be light” a bit everyday!
Happy Spring!
Comment by Ann from Montana on March 20th, 2008 @ 3:40 amSOOOOOOOOOO glad to hear that you had another wonderful day! I love swinging too … as does my daughter; therefore, I’m usually PUSHING, not swinging. 
Glad things are looking up for you … hopefully they will continue to!
Things are wonderful my way … not to rub it in your face or anything … but it was 80 here yesterday! (in South Carolina)
Your new banner is stunning! Blue is my favorite
K’s last blog post..New job
Hooray for the new banner! I think I recognize one of your images.
witchypoo’s last blog post..Distractions
Comment by witchypoo on March 20th, 2008 @ 4:27 amSwinging is a good idea. The non-70s-getting-to-know-your-neighbors-in-an-inappropriate-way kind of swinging.
kirida’s last blog post..Nathan’s hair has turned his world upside down
Comment by kirida on March 20th, 2008 @ 4:55 amOhhhh! Loving the new banner. Puuurty!
I wish it was spring here. This winter is starting to really drag my spirits down and probably why I would love to move to a warmer climate.
Karla’s last blog post..Make It Stop
Comment by Karla on March 20th, 2008 @ 5:07 amGlad tp see you’re feeling more like your old self. And I adore the new masthead! Lovely! I agree that there’s something magical about swinging. I can’t wait until we have kids and a swingset - I assure you it will get a lot of use!:) It’s spring here too - but windy as all get out! I think I might blow away!
Erin’s last blog post..Various items in numbered form?
Comment by Erin on March 20th, 2008 @ 5:39 amDespite the fact that I have a 12 hour work day ahead of me and the news I received last night, I’m actually quite optimistic!
sizzle’s last blog post..Love, love, love
Comment by sizzle on March 20th, 2008 @ 5:42 amI keep thinking that I should start a swinging workout program, because that is one I would totally keep up with. Glad you’re feeling a bit better.
bethany actually’s last blog post..Racing around the park
Comment by bethany actually on March 20th, 2008 @ 6:16 amLove the pictures of your precious offspring …
Isn’t swinging the best?! I just might have to do that today …
LOVE the new web design. Beautiful.
Enjoy your day!
Comment by Michelle on March 20th, 2008 @ 7:11 amFirst? THAT BANNER! It is fantabulous. I am going to guess that is some of your macro genius?
We are better than good today too. A good night’s sleep, no more vomiting and Kamden ate 3 bites of toast. It’s a hooting and hollering celebration over at the Khlopchyk house this am.
I am so glad you are feeling better, big hugs to you!
Kami’s last blog post..Update
Comment by Kami on March 20th, 2008 @ 7:30 amI am praying for warmer weather for you. Today here it is supposed to be mid 60’s and tomorrow low 70’s. I am LOVIN it! Spring is my favorite time of year.
SouthernBelle’s last blog post..We are on lock-down
Comment by SouthernBelle on March 20th, 2008 @ 7:31 amSpicy new banner!
Thanks for letting me share some of the picking coldness of the Sticks yesterday. It was just what we needed!
Glad you’re feeling more like yourself.
Amanda Brown’s last blog post..You Funny
Comment by Amanda Brown on March 20th, 2008 @ 7:41 amPretty banner! Very “Spring”!
I haven’t been on a swing in forever.
Maybe I should try it.
Loralee’s last blog post..When a whore loses her looks?
Comment by Loralee on March 20th, 2008 @ 8:17 amUm, I think that Emily is taking a bit more after the younger of her older brothers with that face! Oh what a sweetie.
I am great! Here it is also “stellar” - as in it’s above zero and not snowing (or raining!)
I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful day!
Jen’s last blog post..A couple links = a lot of sleep
Comment by Jen on March 20th, 2008 @ 8:26 amOh yea, and I love the new header!
Jen’s last blog post..A couple links = a lot of sleep
Comment by Jen on March 20th, 2008 @ 8:27 amI’m great and I really like the new blog colour.
Elizabeth’s last blog post..Real Ridin?
Comment by Elizabeth on March 20th, 2008 @ 8:40 amI’m glad things are looking…up. (That’s a swinging pun.) (I probably didn’t need to explain that to you.) (I’m turning into my father.)
There’s nothing like a session on a swingset to make a person feel better. And that picture of your kids grinning into the camera made my ovaries twitch. So very cute.
Moose’s last blog post..My Alias is ?Beached Whale?
Comment by Moose on March 20th, 2008 @ 8:43 amThe outdoors with fresh air makes EVERYTHING better
kelly’s last blog post..Watoto
I’m LOVING the new colours - so fresh and spring-like! Glad to hear you’re feeling better!
I’m doing fantastic! I got to sleep in this morning, had a fantastic run in the gorgeous sunshine, and now I’m about to head out for my 5 day little vacation to Seattle. Things are very good indeed!
Sharon’s last blog post..Seattle-bound
Comment by Sharon on March 20th, 2008 @ 9:14 ami am in LOVE with that banner.
also…this post. love.
ali’s last blog post..?i’m no stranger to heartbreak??**
Comment by ali on March 20th, 2008 @ 10:10 ami am great thank you for asking Easter is a very special time, and i look forward to spending the weekend with my mom and dad and celebrating our Savoir death and reserection! ps: your kids are just too cute!
Chelsey’s last blog post..Suckahs!
Comment by Chelsey on March 20th, 2008 @ 1:35 pmI totally hear you on how the weather can be such a big influence on how a person feels.
Love the new banner!!
And the picture of the kids, they are all looking right at you and they are all SMILING! :)
Kristin’s last blog post..Our weekend in Pictures.
Could Emily and Nathan look any more alike??? That is soooo cute! I could just pinch those little cheeks of Emily’s! Spring is such a refreshing time of year, isn’t it? Wishing you many more beautiful, warm spring days!!!
Comment by Michele on March 20th, 2008 @ 7:03 pmI am glad you are feeling better. You just have to ride the waves baby! Or maybe I’ve just been at the beach too long. It’s hard to feel down here.
180/360’s last blog post..Tight Black Rubber
Comment by 180/360 on March 20th, 2008 @ 8:02 pmFeeling much better now. Freezing though. I’m at a coffee shop waiting for my husband to finish up at the dentist, and methinks Starbucks employees have very thick skin as the A/C is running colder than my freezer. It’s fun, finally being mobile. I can’t log in to anything though because I’m paranoid like that. Hi. Great photos. Love the one of your feet with the sky as background.
The Lisa Show’s last blog post..My Precious
Comment by The Lisa Show on March 25th, 2008 @ 6:26 pmThe banner and the whole of the new theme is great looking - you have good taste!
Miley Cyrus’s last blog post..Miley Cyrus Sings G.N.O At Kids Choice Awards
Comment by Miley Cyrus on March 30th, 2008 @ 6:17 am
Getting there. The weather here has been above 0 too and it has done wonders for my soul. My heart just sings praises to the Lord when the sun shines and there is a warmth in the air.
But now it is snowing, aaagghh…….I will remember, it is sprinish, it will melt. Pout.
Anyway, thanks for asking:)
Glad to see you are on the upside. You are amazing!
And I love, love , love the swing pictures, fantastic!
Anna’s last blog post..Cracking up over eggs.
Comment by Anna on March 20th, 2008 @ 12:18 am