Crunchy Peas

happy birthday with a tomato on top!

Three years ago today Emily was born.  My best friend's daughter (she has 3 girls too), I love her like one of my own.

Although you would never know it now, Emily's little life got off to a pretty rough start.  Three days after she was born she suddenly stopped breathing.  Thankfully my friend lives a half block away from the fire station where they were able to resuscitate her.  After some tests it was discovered that baby Emily was having frequent seizures. Emily's birth was a bit rough.  My friend was induced and they had some trouble with baby's heart rate towards the end.  The best explanation they had for the seizures was that poor Emily may have been oxygen deprived (damn pitocin!)  Two long weeks later she was sent home with no real diagnosis, but the seizures had stopped.

Thankfully, she is as normal as any cute little 3 year old, and we couldn't imagine life without her!  So, to celebrate her birthday...I made her a little gift.

Emily is known as "the tomato girl".  Whenever she is here she raids my plants in the garden.  The girl can put them away!  Lots of lycopene I guess.  Inside that red box (with a tomato- not a cherry on top) is this:

   

a roll-up crayon holder thingy.  I know that I am the last person on the planet to make one...but here is the tutorial just in case I'm not. Super easy...and pretty cute if I do say so myself. 

It is also my brother-in-law's and my grandma's birthday today.  I called my Grannie and asked her to love me in spite of the fact that her gift will be late (still being worked on.)  Pics to come soon!

And, just to add to the already celebratory mood, I would like to make a gift for you too!  This is my thirtieth post!!  Leave a comment and I will draw a random name on Monday. Birthday or not, the winner will receive a present made by me!  Dad, you are exempt!

a little comfort

My friend had surgery a few weeks ago and she is supposed to be "taking it easy".  This prescription for light duty is somewhat hilarious (and totally unrealistic) because she has three children under 6.  I scooped her kids up and we spent the afternoon together while their mommy got some much needed rest. I didn't want to send them home without some "real food" to eat for dinner (earlier in the week I took them a pizza).  I just happened to have all the ingredients on hand for one of my favorite comfort food recipes. I have used this yummy formulation for new mamas, neighbors, and today for my tired friend.

 

It is perfect for this time of year, using up all kinds of squash excess that so many of us find ourselves with at the end of the season.  The recipe is found in this book.  I am pretty sure that I am not supposed to publish it here without the author's permission...so I guess that you'll have to check it out for yourself. 

MMMM, nothing like a hug from a squash. I can only make things like this for other people.  My husband would ask, "where's the beef?"

Heading off to do some late night sewing while watching this crazy funny show...hope to have some progress to report tomorrow.

tinkering

Currently, my camera and I have a strained relationship.  I cannot for the life of me seem to get it to take pictures that are in focus!!  Super frustrating.  I would like to think that if I spend a little less money on these (why must they give them all cute names?  "the polka-dot Lia blouse" ugh!), then I could save up for this.  We'll see.

Anyways, what I was trying to capture above, was the lovely coffee I shared with my friend this morning.  We just sat a looked at them for a while before we sipped.  They have a special little place for kids at my favorite local coffee shop.  So, the babes came along drinking their chocolate milks at a nearby table with plenty of kids books to read.  My friend and I felt somewhat frumpy sitting there amongst all the laptop/briefcase carrying business types coming in and out.  For one small moment I wondered, "am I missing out on something? you know, not working."  It might be kind of fun to get up every morning and put on a suit, to have people calling me on my cell phone for reasons other than to ask me what we are having for dinner.  They all looked very important. 

But then again, the only demands upon my day came in the form of three little girls- who in turn, think that I am pretty important too.

Especially when it comes to moments like these.  Besides, that suit might look kind of cute with a little peanut butter and jelly smeared on it!

the company I kept

We had a friend over this morning.  It is good for us to have scheduled play time.  I know that sounds stupid...but really it forces us to have some structured time where we only play.  No dishes, no folding clothes, no talking on the phone-- and best of all, no TV (can't even tell you the last time I sat down to watch.)

It is funny to watch peers interact.  I love waiting to see who will "lead" the play and who will follow (and for how long). Hannah usually follows because her older sister is always bossing her around.  But when she plays within her own age group...I am always surprised to see that she is quite comfortable leading the way.  She has learned from the best.  Pretty funny when she says in her most syrupy voice, "no, I think that we will do it my way this time okay?"  Of course it is not really a question to be answered.  There are all kinds of opportunities to learn about sharing, being generous with our things, taking turns, and listening to the ideas of others.  Sometimes they look at me like, "would you just leave us alone and let us work this out our own way lady?"  Laurel bit Hannah today and actually drew blood.  So you can see that stepping aside is a tempting option...but not very safe.

So, that is how my morning was spent.  We made this for lunch.  Yummy.  I added a sweet potato and also a sprinkle of nutmeg. It would be great with some cornbread. 

I have a couple of projects that I am working on and hope to share them soon.  I am also working up to the idea that I'll have to put the garden to sleep before long. 

An intervention might be necessary...I cannot stop wearing my flip-flops.

ode to grandpa and fresh perspective

As always, it is wonderful to be home.  We enjoyed our brief time away- it is always good to see family.  My girls love their grandpa- and he loves them (and camouflage???).  A busy man, he always makes time for us.

My dad is a perfect mix of gentleness, confidence, silliness, and intelligence.  He has great style, can be pretty funny, and makes yummy fried rice (inside joke) . A bit handsome too don't you think? Don't get any ideas though...we like him all to ourselves.  We are always sad to have to say goodbye and travel beyond the physical reach of his arms.  Grandpa snuggles are the best (because they usually include a little pinch)!

On a side note, I had a small break-through while away.  Every time I think about my children growing up and moving on in their lives- my heart breaks a little (OK a lot).  It would seem that life would be so quiet and somewhat empty without their little feets running up and down the hallway. What would Carl and I do?  Would we even know/like each other by that time?  What would we talk about, worry about?  Well, after visiting my aunt and uncle's house...I think I have a better outlook. 

Okay not the best picture, but it will prove my point.  With small children in your house could you ever have this sink in your bathroom?  My kids would probably try eating their cereal out of it! I began looking at the grown-up things all around their house. Not to mention the perfect cleanliness of it. Their carpet was perfect, not a toy to be seen, no papers held up by magnets on their fridge. They had scrapbook upon scrapbook of all their vacations taken together.  There is life after children.  God willing, Carl and I have so much to look forward to.  It was a nice perspective to see the future from.

Looking into my future this week, I see trips to the grocery store, piano lessons, laundry, carpooling, volunteering at school, and if my family is lucky perhaps a bit of cooking.  I'll do my best to enjoy it all!!

random things

I always enjoy reading these lists when other people write them...here's mine

10 Random Things About Me (in random order):

1.  I am not afraid of heights.  I attribute this mostly to riding the chair lifts up the mountain while skiing as a child.  However, I am pretty darn claustrophobic.  I attribute this to being trapped head down in sleeping bags by my older cousins.

2.  I wear this perfume. 

3.  I hate it when anyone touches my bellybutton.  Hate it!

4.  If money were no object, I think I would drive this car.

5.  I am not really an animal lover.  I don't hate them...but my life seems fairly complete without a pet (this cannot be said of my daughter Emma, who every day asks for a dog or cat- we are still in talks)

6.  I cry at every birth I attend.  I keep waiting for this to stop...I just can't seem to help myself.

7.  I am a bit of a hypochondriac.  Getting older doesn't help, neither does webmd.

8.  I always wanted to go to a college where I could join the woman's crew team.

9.  I am a pretty terrible swimmer- I sink.  Maybe there is a reason that #8 never worked out for me.

10. Please don't talk to me when you are brushing your teeth and all that foamy white toothpaste is running down your chin.  My college roommate/cousin used to do this to me all the time- just to see me gag.

gifts

Everyone knows how much I love the whole process of growing a baby, giving birth to it, and caring for it.  So, imagine my excitement when I learned that my cousin was having twins!!  This weekend we are traveling to her baby shower, and I wanted to make her something extra special. Practical but fun.  If I were to name my number one "can't live without" baby gear item, it would be a baby carrier.  Its a wonderful thing to be able to snuggle your baby up and at the same time have your hands free.  This is especially important when you are a mama to more than one! So, I asked Jessica, "would you wear a sling?"  She said she would.  Then the question arose, "would your husband wear one?"  Because you can't fit two babies in one sling...and you can't wear two slings at once!  Thankfully, he was totally excited and said he would too.

I finished one sling, and the other is awaiting rings (which were not included in my order, grrrrrr.)

I wanted them to coordinate but not be identical. They have the same middle and different borders.

I also made her some bibs and two outfits for next summer. (I know she will get a bazillion 0-3 months clothes)

I had plans to do so much more...but time didn't allow.  There are so many cute baby patterns out there right now.  The babies won't come until November/December- so I do still have time. 

Anyways, we are off for a little weekend getaway- terrible timing with the start of school being just a week and a half ago.  It may be a bit crazy come the beginning of next week.  "Ten random things about me" will automatically post tomorrow.  Have a great weekend!

Green Clean

My house is a mess.  I take that back.  My house is dirty.  I am pretty good and picking up and making it appear clean.  When it comes to deep down clean...not so good.  I think that maybe it is a time issue.  I remember the days when I could clean my whole house in one day.  From top to bottom everything would be done.  Then, I could sit back and enjoy the sparklyness (I have 3 girls I am allowed to invent words like that).  Nowadays, I have to clean in bits and pieces.  If the girls are soaking in the tub...I wipe down the sink, mirror and toilet etc. But I usually don't have huge blocks of time to really cover the whole house.  Knowing that I won't get very far prevents me from getting anywhere at all. Lame, I know.

Sometimes the only thing that will inspire me to "deep clean" is making my own cleaner.  "Making" inspires me.  (I love the post that Amanda wrote about her daughter's one word sentence.)  Even my husband remarked that he liked my cleaner better than one of the bottles he bought at the store.  This is saying a lot because my huband is the king of using massively toxic bleach laden "be- sure-and- have adequate- ventilation" cleaners.

I have tried lots of recipes for homemade cleaner.  Here is the one that I like the best for all-purpose cleaning (from sew green)

1tsp baking soda

2 tsp borax (in the laundry soap isle of the grocery store)

1 tsp liquid soap-  I use this (weird writing on the bottle, great soap)

2 cups hot water

10 or so drops of favorite essential oil- I like grapefruit or tea tree oil

Mix together, pour into spray bottle, shake before each use.

I actually double or triple this recipe and fill a spray bottle for the kitchen, and all 3 bathrooms.

For scouring or scrubbing I love using baking soda and lemon juice.  Just sprinkle the baking soda in the tub or sink or whatever.   Then, pour a bit of lemon juice in too.  Your kids will love how it "fizzes".  That is the great thing about using homemade cleaners- they are safe for kids! Great, because I can fill a spray bottle with their name on it!!!!   Happy scrubbing.

clogs and pointes

It was about 20 degrees colder here yesterday than the day before.  Autumn is giving us a bit of a preview.  It is infringing on my last week of summer.  However, I think I may be ready to move on.  I found myself making brownies yesterday, and dusting off the slow cooker.  And (if you are my husband, this is where you stop reading) these lovelies arrived yesterday.

Quite fallish don't you think?  They are a bit clumpy- but don't worry, I'll break them in.  I ordered them from Hanna Andersson - only they were full price when I ordered them, ugh! (I told you to stop reading Carl).  Don't you love European sizes?  I do.  It reminds me of when I used to shop for these.

I dusted off my pointe shoes and tried them on again. Like Cinderella, I do this from time to time just to convince myself that they really are mine. Fondly, I remember wearing them for hours on end. Chacott Copellia II 39 C's - Still fit.  That is the great thing about shoes right?  Ten years later, like an old friend, you pick up right where you left off.  Everything is familiar.  They support you, accommodate you, conform to you.  Shoes never betray you the way bathing suits and jeans do. 

You know, ballet flats are all the rage now.  I especially like these (fun colors). Once, for a character I was playing, I got to dye my shoes a beautiful aqua color- I am pretty sure they worked better in that shade.  Or, maybe I'll just wear my old blochs and  pas de chat around the house. My kids think that I am nutty.  Nuts are crunchy right?

8:22 am

Breakfast eaten, lunches made, kids delivered,

dishwasher running, washing machine washing, bread baking, cartoon watching/cheese eating,

 

Sewing machine sewing,

Phone calls made,

Garbage day remembered,

Its a good day!!

Thrifting

I went to a few church rummage sales over the weekend.  I took the older girl  with me (on the condition that I would buy her something sweet at Starbuck's) and we snuck out Saturday morning before anyone else could tag along.

This coat came home with me.  I saw it and held on to it while I was browsing.  One of the ladies working at the sale came up to me and said, "Oh, you found my mother's coat.  She has passed on, but my father bought that for her when they went to Paris in the 1960's."  That totally sealed the deal for me.  It is so great to know the story behind these things isn't it?

And this also found its way to my kitchen shelf.  Perfect colors.

Vintage sheets (in the process of being re-purposed- stay tuned), yummy sweaters, goddy clip on earrings for playing "dress-up", and a bundle of Dr. Seuss books were just some of the loot that we made out with. (oh yes, and the obligatory stuffed animal that Emma fell in love with- roll eyes)

So, we are off and running for the week.  Everyone seems to be adjusting well to the new schedule.  Everyone, that is, but me.  There is so much to do.  Something always falls by the wayside.  The fridge might be stocked, but there are no clean dishes.  We might have fresh sheets and tidy beds- but no clean clothes.  I might be on time to pick up our friends for the carpool, but enter our dirty car at your own risk! Fortunately, we (my family and I) seem to find ways to laugh about it.

I was longingly looking out the window at our neighbors house on Friday as her cleaning lady showed up.  Sometimes I feel fairly inadequate.  Shouldn't a stay-at-home-mom be able to keep her house clean and everything running smoothly?  How do all the working mothers do it? Time management has never really been one of my strong points.  I guess that might explain why I am sitting here!  Okay, off I go.

a long time coming

This moment (1 year in the making) was brought to you by Carl, six bags of seed, 12 bags of peat moss, 30 yards of horse manure, and very very helpful friends/family.  Who needs sod?

a recipe

It's been a whirligig of a week.  Mama is in need of some real down time.  I would like to share one of my favorite recipes with you in the hopes that you might have the opportunity to try it out for yourself soon!

RECIPE FOR RELAXATION:

**note: in order for this recipe to be a success, it will require two parts "sleeping children", and equal parts of "daughter in school" and "husband at work".

Ingredients:

1C. coffee (brewed strong with lots of foamy milk)

 

1 Jar of avocado/basil scented candle

1 pile of pillows and blankets blended with 1 bundle of magazines and or catalogs

Finally, 1 skein of yarn and shiny hooks (better if it is wool)

Mix thoroughly and enjoy!!!!

PS I love green!

bag lady

As I was waiting for my sheets to dry last night (I had good intentions earlier in the day...but realized that I forgot about them in the washer as I was getting ready to collapse into my bed.) I got a little burst of energy and made a new bag. 

I was off to my own little class today and needed something to carry all my things in. (Like I didn't have any other bags...but you know- new routines demand new bags.)  I personally believe that One never actually needs an excuse for a new bag.  I had ordered the polka dot fabric by mistake.  I thought it would match some coordinating fabric for a baby sling that I am working on- but not so much.  So what to do?  I couldn't just leave it sitting there.  I pieced it together with a vintage pillowcase (yellow flowers) and some blue shirting.  I know it is a bit summery- but just allow me some time to complete my letting go process.  No pattern, a complete original (can you tell that I am a total novice?  I mean how hard is it to sew a square with handles?)  I was quite impressed with my accurate measurements.  If you know me you will also be impressed because I am not really a "details" kind of girl.  Huh, for once late night sewing was productive!

The Beginning

First off, I would like everyone to clap for me.  We made it out the door in one piece and on time.

I didn't run over anything while backing out, and I remembered all 3 of my children. (it only took staying up until 1am to make sure everything was ready to go.)  I definitely need to delegate some of those getting ready tasks. "Cringe" when I think about what Emma's version of a lunch might be.

For the last few days Emma has been saying (in a know-it-all tone), "I am not nervous for school at all Mom, I have already been there for 2 years."  So I found it interesting when she showed up in my bedroom this morning at 6:30am fully dressed and ready to go. It was also quite peculiar that she couldn't finish her breakfast.  Ahh, truly she is her mother's daughter.  We went to wake Hannah up and she simply rolled over and pulled the covers back on.  We eventually roused her and she was totally excited.  She sang her ABC's in the car "just to practice."

What about "the bitty" you ask?  Well she and I made our way to The Farmers Market.  We found some yummies and sat together, letting the morning sink in.

I maintained composure for the most part. (thank you Jesus for sunglasses) At one point, as I was blabbing on and on to my only remaining tiny passenger, she put her finger to her lips and said, "mama sssshhhh." Nice, thanks Laurel.  Most of my tears came last night.  My husband was a bit perplexed. He couldn't quiet understand what the big deal was.

When I drove away from the school, I felt like I had left a small piece of me behind in those two classrooms.  It was pretty quiet in the car....

Then the other part of me piped up and said,  "I think I could get used to this."

summer send-off

The sunflowers are all heavy with bloom.  The sky is darkening much earlier.  Our flip-flops have logged a lot of miles.  We've had our fill of corn on the cob.  And now I concede, our summer vacation is over.

It is with such bittersweetness that we move forward into the fall.  This summer was one of the best yet.  Not being pregnant, nursing or caring for a tiny infant for the first time in about 7 years really freed us up to experience so much of what summer had to offer. 

Some of our favorite highlights can be seen here.

The girls put their toes in the Pacific Ocean for the first time, we set up our pool (major project), did lots of afternoon swimming, spent countless hours at the "secret beach", took a few day trips to the lake, grew our own veggies, and ate lots and lots of ice cream.  Life was unhurried, uncomplicated, and I wish we could live it over and over again. 

We took an evening walk talking and remembering fondly the days that we have spent.

  Alas, the sun has gone down on our summer vacation. Farewell... for now.

Not Plastic

A few weeks ago my Grandparents came for a visit.  Usually they bring gifts for the girls, but this time I was the one on the receiving end. In they walked with this perfect wooden contraption.

They bought it at a garage sale from an older gentleman who lives across the street from them.  His wife had just moved into a nursing home- and this was her sewing basket.

When you open it up there are layers upon layers waiting to be filled with trinkets..

I suppose it should be used for notions or embroidery accessories.  I don't have much of either (maybe an excuse to buy more?).  Not quite big enough for my yarn stash, it still sits empty.  Well, that is not entirely true.

Laurel has made good use of it.  Any other ideas about what I could fill it with?

I just love wooden things, they last so much longer and stay so much nicer. We are not really into electronic, flashing, buzzing, beeping toys here ("gee dear I am not sure where that dollar store cell phone went, it must be lost- sorry").  Plus, being a bit crunchy, there is that whole plastic/toxic thing.

   

It seems like the toys that are wooden require more imagination. I'll admit we have some purging to do. That is a project that will be done more thoroughly when the girls are away at school.  Funny how they don't even seem to miss what has gone missing.  Not plastic (in the words of Martha) "its a good thing."

preparations

This morning I woke up at 7:24am. School starts on Wednesday.  Seven-Thirty is precisely the time that we will need to leave the house.  Hmm...showers, uniforms, hair, teeth, breakfast, backpacks, carpool--all before 8:00am.  Chaotic.

In effort to brace ourselves for these early morning adventures my little friend and I did some organizing. Don't you hate mixing dry ingredients?  For me, that is the most dreaded part of any recipe. 

Laurel helped me put together some pre-made mixes for our favorite muffins and pancakes. She was the raisin girl. 

Now, on those busy school mornings, all I have to do is add the milk, eggs and oil. This will hopefully leave more time for coffee. And err, getting the girls ready in a more orderly manner. (maybe the two go hand in hand)

So, the uniforms are dusted off.

The lunch bags are ready to be filled. The car is washed, vacuumed, and awaiting little passengers.  Everything is prepared...except our hearts- which for the next 2 days, will be bidding farewell to summer.

Love/Hate

What I love about golf:

 

1. It's a lifelong sport.

2. The outfits are cute. (this should probably be #1)

3. Golf is a great way to get exercise (I never played with a cart until I met my husband :)

4. Driving golf carts at high speeds is fun- especially with Carl.

5. When playing I am surrounded by my favorite color.

 

6. You get to be outdoors. (except if it is rainy, windy, frosty, or 105 degrees)

7. The sound of your clubs in your bag going "clankity- clank" when you are walking.

8. The sound of your golf shoes on the cart path going "crunchity- crunch" when you are walking.

9. One must have good etiquette on the course (I like being so proper)

10. Those cute little metal baskets.

What I hate about golf:

1. I pretty much suck!

instead...

I found an old photo album in the garage yesterday.  Mostly, it contained pictures of my oldest daughter Emma (6) when she was a baby/toddler.  I got all nostalgic and gooey. Maybe it is the fact that she is wearing earrings now, or maybe it is that she is getting all of her "big" teeth, or it could be because most days she knows where to find my car keys when I don't- but I felt like time was slipping away.  In 5 days she will march off to 1st grade and part of me is afraid that she will never look back.  (told ya I was all mushy)

It seems like every day there is this constant internal struggle.  How should my priorities line up?  What is most important?  How is my time best spent? 

Because you know that there is always this:

And even more of this:

But how can I resist this?

So, I let the dishes attract a few more fruit flies.  And the laundry sat for another day (sorry Carl- I promise I'll get to the towels tomorrow). 

Instead....

We jumped in my bed and did this.  It was a non-nap and it fit perfectly into that moment. Time well spent.

Some Sewing

Amidst all the grumpiness, I have managed to get some sewing done (at 1:00am mind you- hmmm not great for the grumpiness I guess.)  First off, I just love the pattern for the "Twirly Skirt" found over on houseonhillroad . It is so easy, no buttons, no zippers- just straight line sewing.  My kind of project.

This little set is for Laurel.  She loves the fabric because the beagle looks just like my Grandma's dog Suzi.  I know, it is a bit summery- but hey it is still summer right?

Today is my friend Camille's birthday.  She is having surgery next week and I wanted to send her on her way with a cute bag.  One always needs a new bag when venturing into the city.

It is the "All Day Bag" from Lotta Jansdotter's book- Simple Sewing.

On a side note- I have an infected tonsil.  I am pretty sure that there is some kind of food object making it's home there.  I have spent the greater part of the morning trying to dislodge it.  Gargling, gagging (lots of gagging) and poking it with a knitting needle of all things- nothing seems to work.  So, any advice is welcome.

Just thought you all might enjoy that last little tidbit.  Cheers!

Issues

Do you remember those commercials where some poor individual had forgotten to drink their V8 and they were walking around tilted to the side- totally off balance?  Yeah, that has pretty much been our day today.  Before 9am we had honey on the carpet, tears from everyone (me too), arguing, lovely scribbles on important papers, frantic searches for something "wearable" in the dirty clothes basket, and the customary object being run over when backing out of the garage (basketball)  What the he**?  Was I just due for a crappy day or what?  Why does it all fall down on us at once?  I felt like Cinderella and we were all turning into pumpkins!  At some point in the morning I completely abandoned all expectations of getting anything done.  We found ourselves at the park.  And then, there was this:

 

A peace offering.  I gladly accepted.

classes resume

Well, most of the schools around here resume classes today.  My children don't go back for another week, but I am starting another series of "baby classes" as Emma and Hannah say.  I teach natural childbirth.  Why?  Because it is one of my great loves.  My Father would say that this is one of those traits that makes me "crunchy".  I actually loved being pregnant and giving birth- all three times!  The jury is still out on whether or not I will get to do it again.

(Okay I don't love the stretch marks or the 60lb weight gain...but everything else is pretty wonderful!)

Did you know that the percentage of women who give birth via cesarean section is at an all time high in our country? (I just read this article in Mothering Magazine) Over 30% of mothers undergo major abdominal surgery in order to have their babies.   As a nation, our theology surrounding birth is unfortunately way off.  All the technology is obviously not helping much!

In my classes, expecting parents come each week for 12 to learn how to give birth.  In the presence of normality (which is more often then not), we strive for unmedicated births with little or no interventions. With such a lofty goal in mind, it takes practice and a supportive team.  The hospital here has an epidural rate of 80%.  It is indeed a challenge.  Most of my students are referred by the birth center which is run by two midwives. 

Another added bonus to teaching is actually assisting couples as their doula. I am there to support both the mother and the father as they progress through labor.  As in the picture above (Laurel's birth) I can offer my hand for holding (thank you Melanie). Witnessing a baby's first moment outside of the womb is truly miraculous, but the journey up to that point is also pretty powerful. I am thankful to play my tiny little part in all of it.

sleepover

We had our first official sleepover last night.  A right of passage don't you think?  In my opinion- one of the best parts of being a girl.

Never mind the "not-even-real-cheese-mac n' cheese", or "chicken-scraps-off-the-factory-floor" chicken nuggets, or the massive quantities of ketchup.  For these girls it was a real treat.

We did a little of this:   

and a little of this:

and some of this:

a bit of this:

 

and finally at 11:00pm some of this:

Good times where had by all. (except maybe Carl who began to understand the implications of having 3 girls...)

together time

As a child, I remember that my family did a lot of things together.  We ate meals together.  We went skiing, camping, golfing, and bike riding together.  We watched Saturday morning cartoons together and did chores together.  Every summer without exception we took week-long family vacations together. It was wonderful.  I felt like I really knew my parents and they knew me.  My brother was my best friend (except when I hated him.) Our home was a safe place to retreat to.  I want my children to be able to say the same thing. Unfortunately, I don't think families today do enough as a whole.  With the school year soon to be upon us, there are so many opportunities for our family to be apart.  So many opportunities to be busy.  I don't want that.

I think it is important to have certain periods of time when it is mandatory to be together. Meals are a big one for me.  Sometimes when I tuck my kids in bed at night I ask them, "what was the best part of today?"  Often times they answer, "eating dinner with my family."  How sweet is that?  The other thing that we love doing is playing games.  Last night we played Pictionary.  It was hilarious.

In the middle of the game Hannah said, "this is so much fun mom!"  It takes intention to be together.  You have to plan it on purpose.  Often our family time is spent lounging together on our bed.  We are not always very organized or formal.  There are also those days that unfortunately slip by without much communing. But when we do make it happen, it is as if we are mutually saying, "in this moment I choose you over everything else."