When the mail comes...

...and there is an issue of National Geographic Little Kids in it, it makes some people in this house very happy.

Meg is happy because she gets to get the mail and be the bearer of good tidings. Then she gets to read the magazine to Matthew and help him with the puzzles and activities.

Matthew is happy because he gets positive attention from Meg and a fun little glossy that's perfect for his reading level and attention span.

And I am happy, because, for a few sweet moments, my kids are happy and calm and loving (without me doing anything!), and my house is peaceful. And the quiet is so strange that I stop and look around to see what, exactly, is happening, and then I take in the scene and melt a little and go get the camera and thank God as I click away.

With thanks and love to Grandma and Grandpa! We can't wait to see you on Sunday!

Matthew's Family Favorites

The other day I dropped off Meg and her friend Madison at their art class, and then I took Matthew out for a special Mama date. After we hit up the grocery store candy aisle for Dots (Matthew's treat), we headed for California Tortilla and a honey lime chicken burrito bowl (my treat). As we munched, I asked Matthew a bunch of questions, including this one: "What's your favorite thing about (insert name of each individual family member)?"

I loved his answers. They opened such a sweet window into his heart. I won't do any psychoanalysis here, but just record his answers so I can remember a bit of what was meaningful to Matthew at five years old.

"What's your favorite thing about Meg?"
When she reads me stories.

"What's your favorite thing about Esme?"
That she loves me.

"What's your favorite thing about Graham?"
That he has chubby cheeks.

"What's your favorite thing about Daddy?"
Going on dates with him.

"What's your favorite thing about Mommy?"
When you kiss me.

An Aunt Dacia Weekend

Last year, David's sister Dacia took a new job that brings her to Virginia several times a year. And luckily for us, she always arranges her trips so that she can come hang with us for a few days after her work is done. The first weekend in February was one of these times. The kids L-O-V-E their Aunt Dacia weekends and look forward to them so much.

This particular weekend proved even more memorable than most, as Dacia ended up so ill that she had to go to Emergency Care. Not quite what any of us (especially Dacia) were planning! Nevertheless, there was still much to enjoy once she felt better. Meg, Matthew and Esme particularly appreciate the fact that Aunt Dacia always comes armed to the teeth with craft supplies and projects in mind. And we made it into D.C. and hit a couple of the museums as well. Of course, I only have a few pictures from her final morning with us. Still, some is better than none...

We love you, Dacia! Thanks so much for making the time!

Breakfast Time

The pot of oatmeal on my stove gets bigger every year...

but the kitchen chaos is always more or less the same.

Quote of the Day

Esme: Mommy, I feel sick. I'm sick.

Me: Oh, no, what makes you feel sick?

Esme: Matthew.