Just Perfect

Today was just that. Perfect.

We started with a ride down to the park (Eden on her 2-wheel bike, Levi on his plasma car and Mommy running along beside them). We played the "boat" game where they both took turns being the caller. Mommy never got a turn to be caller, so I think I made at least 40 trips to the "back of the boat"! It was so cute to hear Levi stumble over the words a bit, "Attention on deck."

After collecting rolly pollies and heading into "the woods" to explore for a bit, we made our way home to meet a friend for lunch. After lunch we went to Little Gym and then to a old, old park that still had a merry-go-round! Unheard of today - where builders are more worried about liability that making a kid so dizzy they can't stand up straight! Eden was cracking up as she went round and round. It was precious.


The kids and I have 100 little conversations throughout the day where I think to myself, "Oh, I totally need to write that down." But, when evening comes and I have a chance to sit down at the computer, they always seem to escape me. Although I don't remember exactly what we talked about - I do remember that we laughed today. We laughed a bunch! It was simply: Perfect.

Today's Tiny Treasures: Scott had to work a little late tonight. He called on his way home from work - after the kids were already in bed - to say good-night. Levi was already asleep, but when I walked into Eden's room she was just at the edge of sleep. Her eyes were getting heavy and she was snuggled up with her head on her stuffed dolphin. Something about it was so sweet. It just made my heart happy. She perked up to talk with her daddy. Their conversation was precious. She can't wait until Good Friday - when Daddy will get off work early. "It's always fun" when that happens. Oh, how I love my sweet, sweet Eden.

Quotable

I came across this quote tonight and loved it enough to want to "write" it down here:

The fundamental mission of motherhood now is the same as it always was: To nurture, protect and instruct children; to create a home environment that enables them to learn and grow; to help them develop a heart for God and his purposes; and to send them out into the world prepared to live both fully and meaningfully.

I hope I can accomplish this mission.

Today's Tiny Treasure: Levi dressed himself this morning. I thought it was brave of me to suggest that he do so...since we were actually going to leave the house and go into public! He did not disappoint! Down the stairs he came with white socks pulled up to just under his knees, his John Deer cowboy boots on, awful gray gym shorts with a navy blue stripe on the side and a brown shirt. It took every little piece of me not to suggest a new outfit or walk over and bunch down his socks a bit! Looking back on it now - it's absolutely precious. I wonder what he'll pick out tomorrow.

Top O' The Mornin'

We had our typical start to St. Patty's day: Green omelets, shamrock toast and green milk. This year Eden fully understands the consequences for not wearing green. I don't think she was out of bed 10 minutes before getting herself dressed and was happily dishing out pinches to all of us still in our jammies! The kids ate breakfast next to their leprechaun gold and we are all hoping the luck of the Irish shines down on us today! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Good-bye Zen Buddha

Seems like I just wrote a similar post about our Zephie. Makes me wonder if dogs who grow up together have the same special bond that people who have been married for years and years have. They say if one spouse dies, the other typically follows within in year. They die of a broken heart disguised as something else.

About two weeks ago Zen started to act a bit under the weather and just like that, she's gone. Stupid, stinking, Leukemia. It certainly makes me realize how quickly you can lose something you love and how we shouldn't take even one second for granted.

This morning we spent 2 hours saying our good-byes. Lots of hugs and cuddles and whispers of "good dog" to our sweet Zen. I hope she understood how much we loved her and how hard it was to say good-bye. Above all, I hope there is a doggie heaven and that she is there now. I hope she and Zephie had an amazing reuinion today. I hope they wrestled, chased each other and then took a long, happy nap side by side.

Zen had such a sweet spirit. Smarter than she let on and always ready to make you feel loved. I will never forget the day we adopted her from the pound. Pushing every inch of herself against the door of her cage - to get as much physical contact as possible. Her irrational fear of new pillows and balloons still stumps me and make we wonder what happened to her before she came to live with us. I hope above hope that we gave her a good and happy life.

We spent some time this morning telling stories about our crazy Zen. How she chased bunnies till her feet were sore. How she ate the book we got in her so called obedience class. And, how she would break out of the backyard any chance she got to roam the neighborhood in California. It was hard to see her leave us. She and I shared a kindred spirit. I thank God for sharing her with us. She will always have a piece of my heart.

Good-bye my sweet Zen. Sleep well, girl.

My Kids Sparkle

Typically, I wouldn't pull out the paints and glitter at 6:30 at night. I'm not sure what made tonight different. But, it kind of felt good to tell them "yes"!

Mommy, can I paint?
Yes!



Mommy can I add glitter to my paint before it dries?
Yes!



Mommy can I make "snow"?
Um....(long pause)...Yes!



Mommy can I play with my "ski guys"?
Yes!



Mommy can I play play-dough?
Yes!



It seems like I tell my kids "no" 100 times a day. Sometimes it's nice to throw in the "no" towel and let them lead the way! It made for an hour of complete happiness at our house tonight! Worth every speck of glitter that I will find in my kitchen between now and Christmas!

Yep, my kids sparkle!