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!!