simple love.

last week:

coley came from mobile to nashville for a little visit.

we painted, ate ice cream, made friendship bracelets & slumber partied.

she front porched it with me and alex & wrote a super cute song with drake.

this girl has a heart and spirit that i've never seen in 

another soul.

i soaked up every single minute 

with my 

favorite ten year old

in the whole wide world.

we also met up with e + g, the kiddos i used to nanny.

i haven't been with them in nearly a year and 

e, the 3 year old 

still asks about me.

its unbelievable.

my heart 

bursts in a million pieces 

when i hear the stories of what his simple little mind remembers 

about me.

and my refrigirator will always have room 

for the letters he sends to me in the mail...

where he signs his crooked signature 

in all caps

and blue crayon.

. . . 

i also finally got to see this 

little dude 

who lives just down the street from me & i'm lucky to 

play with several times a week.

i haven't seen him in a week or so and we were both having some 

withdrawals, that's for sure. 

but they were quickly cured with a sweet hug, a super smile 

and undivided attention.

he and i have a connection that truly 

blows my mind sometimes.

i wish i felt like i could accurately convey a story

and moment

we shared in late feburary

that still brings me to my knees.

it's a simple ten minutes 
that i remember and cling to
in my weakest moments, indeed.

. . . . . .

i've always been a babysitter, a nanny, a kid-magnet

and a nurturer.

but as i've gotten older i really dig deep to understand and appreciate

how refreshingly beautiful it is to

have a connection 

with a child

that doesn't belong to you

with a child 

who's mom graciously shares with you.

i remain in awe and i honestly hope 

i never completely understand the 

magic 

behind their intuition, honesty and

genuine sixth sense of goodness.

undoubtedly i remain 

thankful 

every single day 

for their funny misspelled text messages, sweet smiles, crayon letters 

and simple love.