Slow, sunshine days

Abby and I are together every Friday all day. I am trying to hold these days precious, knowing that they are numbered. She balances playing with me and on her own. She laid in the sunshine playing with legos and drawing for a long time, not even noticing my attempts to record the moment.

Oh, how I will miss these days, and already wish there were more.........

Barack

We loaded the girls up in the car and braved the cold lines to get in to see Barack Obama. It was an adventure. We were initially disappointed to get in the "overflow" room, but he surprised us and came in to greet us.

I was VERY impressed and excited about him, and while we were there, he received the "enthusiastic endorsement" of our own Govenor Sebelius, who rocks! The croud was diverse and extremely overwhelmingly supportive. It made me proud to live in Kansas!

Next week I am going to participate in my first Caucus (in support of Obama). If you are reading this locally, come join me Tuesday at 6.

Work

Aaron is handling his "daily grind" quite well, and working to improve home-work boundaries. I had to take this picture for the record. Andy and Josie are equally excited to greet him on his walk home from work.

I am grateful that he walks to work.
I am grateful that it is still light.
I am grateful for a safe neighborhood where my kids can walk, bike, scooter, skate, and heelie to meet him.

More on MLK

Part of the fun of the day was going to Abby's preschool to sing for the "protest."

Our prayer on MLK Day

(read by Andy)

"Monday make me good and kind,
to all creatures that I find.
Help me love God's whole creation.
Make my life a celebration."

Family Dinners

I know they are important.

I know the decrease the likelihood of substance abuse, early sexual experiences, and other delinquencies. I know they create better communication and let my children understand they are a valued part of our family.....

....but it is so much work!

I try to cook healthy, complete meals (like my mother taught me to do).
I try to set a calm and beautiful atmosphere (like my Grossmama taught me to do).....

....but it is so much work.

I find that every night during our silent prayer, I ask for kindness, generosity,

and please, oh please,

just one person talking at a time,
no grotesque body noises,
give me something that resembles manners,
please, no spitting
and maybe even 5 minutes where everyone stays in their seats?

oh, it is so much work!

Knitting

Lydia, Andy, and Abby are all learning to knit. It has been a slow process, but fun. For some reason this winter interest is heightened. Last Sunday in church we were all knitting. Andy has been the first to finish a project. He wanted to knit a "boy pouch" to carry things in. Last night, he finished it!

Now for the Harry Potter scarf.

Happy Birthday, dear Jess and Emilie

Lydia hosted a wonderful birthday party for her doll. She planned party crafts (doll jewelry) and activities (cake decorating). These were the kinds of things my sister Wendy always facilitated in our house. I missed you, Wendy, but we still pulled it off!

Supper swap

I have been experimenting with a supper swap/food coop with several friends. We have gone quite a few rounds and I have always enjoyed having homeade dinner options available to me in my freezer. This time around I got hearty bean soup, ground nut stew, Afghani eggplant spagetti, Mexican corn chowder, enchiladas, lentils with ham and rosemary, and chicken divan.

It was such a pleasure to cook for all of you! Thanks for your contributions to my family's health!