Feature Friday | Seeing the Glitter

Can you guys believe that next week is Christmas?! Have you done your shopping yet? I finished up yesterday (finally). The only thing I’m really lacking is a few more things for the little guys’ stocking. Stockings were always one of my favorites parts of Christmas growing up. Candy, tiny little trinkets that usually ended up scattered across the floor. We’re spending Christmas with our closest friends and neighbors next week. A big get together with lots of food on Christmas Eve and then church with their family Christmas morning. One upside to being military-you become family to people that are of no relation to you because you’re all in the same boat during the holidays. We’re grateful to have such wonderful friends.

And I’m grateful to be introducing one of my wonderful blog friends today for Feature Friday. Do you guys know Galit from These Little Waves? She’s…well, pretty fabulous. She’s writing a novel, spills her heart on her blog week after week and is a super-fantastic commenter and supporter. I’m so happy to be featuring her this week!

Galit Breen blogs at These Little Waves. On any given day she can be found juggling one husband, one puggle, three children, and one laptop.

Glitter

 

Morning sun glistens through gray curtains. When the light, the timing, my eyes catch just right, our bedroom sparkles.

But right now doesn’t glitter. This moment is colored in by the need to get out the door.

Chloe and Brody, long ago up and ready, run through my quiet.

I reach for dark jeans and nubby knits; grateful for cozy weather, wishing I was reaching for that cup of coffee cooling on the counter.

Peeking at the clock, I see its bright reminder, we’re an eyelash flutter away from late- again.

8:50 Ten minutes before we have to leave for school

Kayli steps beside me, a titch too close, I can’t quite get dressed.

“Mom,” she starts.

“Get ready first, then tell me your story, okay?” I answer.

Out of the edge of my heart, I see her shoulders slump.

8:52 Eight minutes before we have to leave for school

She’s back, half dressed. Her voice lilts towards me, but my thoughts overpower her words.

Pencil strokes etch before my eyes- Brush teeth, pull back hair, find socks, maybe a different shirt?

My mental checklist is noisy.

8:54 Six minutes before we have to leave for school

“Mom? C’s mom-”

My to-dos and her bare feet call Mom louder than she does.

“Kay,” I interrupt, a slice wrapping around my voice, “We have to get ready now.”

8:58 Two minutes before we have to leave for school

She stands before me, shoulders back, suddenly tall. She’s fully dressed and her pink tipped fingers are

laced, cupping one fuschia ponytail holder, matching lip gloss, and socks- second grade necessities.

I pull on my own socks, brush my lips across her forehead as I squeeze by her side, reaching for my own necessities.

“Mom!” She says, her own voice is edged and wrapped and telling- she has something to say.

“C’s mom is sick. We made cards. Mine’s purple, I think she’ll like it. Do you?”

And finally, I pause. I look at my girl with her auburn locks and chocolate eyes. Her edges are soft, caring, and in this case- demanding. I’m thankful for all three.

With one minute to spare, I finally see the glitter, in my girl.