The Unexpected

Not sure how I haven't fully learned this lesson yet, but don't ever--not out loud or even in your head--say that life feels pretty manageable. If you do, set a place at your table for Murphy and his blasted Law, and be prepared for him to overstay his welcome. Kurt was laid off from his job at adidas three weeks ago. We certainly didn't see that coming, which, really, is a blessing. So. We've joined 11% of our fellow Americans and are hunkering down, thinning out the budget, and hoping for another job to come soon. Kurt really enjoyed being a part of the adidas community, and I know he's missing the good folks there. (I really miss the feta basil salad dressing at the adidas cafeteria. I've tried to re-create it. It's just not the same.) He's sticking true to his character, however, and is very optimistic and confident that another opportunity will soon come his way that will somehow be better for him and our family in the long run. If nothing else, it is always valuable and refreshing to be reminded of just how little we need to live happily, contentedly, and joyfully (feta basil dressing or no feta basil dressing).

Madelyn is totally confused as to why Daddy is suddenly around so much; she asks him most mornings if he's going to work as if she just needs to get her bearings for the day. We're making the most of it, though. The three of us have snuggled extra long in the mornings and enjoyed sunny afternoon walks and made the grocery store a family adventure. Every now and then, Maddie will look at us and exclaim, "You guys are not leaving!"

The photo above was taken just as we were headed out the door for a walk on a gorgeous, sunny, early-spring day. Portland has enjoyed beautiful weather the last week or so, which has pleased everyone except poor Madelyn. She has begged for her own umbrella for several weeks now, and I finally relented last Tuesday and bought her that darling pint-sized purplicious umbrella. Of course, the sun came out that afternoon and stuck around for the rest of the week. Wah wah. Only a native Portlander would complain about the absence of rain :) She finally just started carrying it even though it was sunny, hence the photo above (the fur collar is actually mine off of one of my jackets, but she looks quite chic sporting it, hey?).