Thursday, January 28, 2010

One On One

Every now and then, Paul or I will take one of the kids out for some one on one time. I have to confess that sometimes it feels difficult to set that time aside, but I never regret it once we're out! It's an opportunity to freeze our lives for a couple hours and reconnect with the kids as individuals; to soak up their unique personalities, remove all other distractions, and do something out of the ordinary together. It's good for the parent and good for the child. And when we come back, I wonder why I don't do it more often!

I had some one on one time with Ben this week. We spent the whole morning (from about 9 until 1) just the two of us. But as we settled back into the regular routine of the afternoon, our time together fresh in my heart, I couldn't let the day pass without freezing the day in pictures, too. It didn't matter that we were already back home, the fun activities past. Because I knew my mind would associate whatever photos I took with the day we had together. Just me and my little man :)

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Isaiah 30:21


Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

Thursday, January 21, 2010

First Grade Equivalent To Prom

Tomorrow is pajama day at school. And that is HUGE! At least it is for my first grade son. The majority of the evening rovolved around what to wear tomorrow. Which pajamas were too small...what he did and didn't want to wear...what he couldn't wear (I don't think they'd appreciate long john pants at school, easy access flap and all!) He tried endlessly to convince us that what we really needed to do was go out and buy new pajamas for the occasion. I entertained the thought, but only for a moment. He just doesn't wear full pajamas at home often enough to justify it. There was a little drama -and more than one pj outfit modeled - before we were able to settle on something we all could agree on. It's like the first grade equivalent to prom!

Maybe I'll have to take a photo in honor of the special occasion :) Don't want to forget such a magical day!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Breakfast for Lunch

Paul and I've been having fun in the kitchen this week - making breakfast for lunch. It all started on Monday when we watched a short segment of an old Julia Child cooking episode on PBS. She was making omelets, and making it look so easy in her quirky, bumbling way. I didn't think much of it at the time, but it must've left an impression on Paul because the very next day he unexpectedly asked me if we had onion and bell pepper in the house. "Yes," I reply, confused. "Why?"

"I was thinking about trying to make one of those omelets," he answered.

So, we washed up and went to the kitchen to begin chopping and prepping for our culinary adventure. I sauteed the onion and bell pepper while Paul whisked eggs and grated cheese. We pulled out butter, salsa (yes, the Paul Newman black bean variety!), salt, and pepper. We pre-heated our pan. And then Paul stepped up to the cooktop, ingredients poised on the flanking coutertops, and took the roll of lead chef!

He greased the pan and ladled in the eggs, just like he had seen on TV. All the while we joked back and forth in our best Julia impressions: "Oh, and doesn't that look delicious!" At one point I called him Paul Child, and then laughed as I remembered that actually was the name of Julia's husband! It was messy fun. And you know what? It DID turn out delicious! 

It seems that Julia really did know what she was talking about :)

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Moment

These are the moments that refresh a mother's heart:

Everyone is smiling...laughing...having fun. They are finding joy in each other's company. The all too often quarrels and pouty faces are blessedly absent. There are times it feels like these moments are few and far between. But they DO happen, and I am lucky enough to have proof!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010



"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.

He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.

He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.

He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him."

Daniel 2:20-22