Made spaghetti for me and the two youngest. They were in a great mood and not yelling so when I sat down to eat my bowl it was still steaming. While eating I kept thinking this is so good! I made it just like I always do but it tasted so so good. Why? I’ve concluded that eating the 3rd bowl (Rye, Kristen, Me) of spaghetti is way different than eating the 7th bowl (Rye, Kristen, Aari, Jeremiah, Lily, Rachel, Me) of spaghetti. Eating food while it’s steaming vs. lukewarm apparently does make a difference. If only I could resolve all the fussing, refusing to eat, concern over the weight of a fork, the washing of hands, and the million random questions that happens between the 3rd and 7th bowl life would be even tastier.

Grace is one of my favorite words. It’s amazing how such a short, sweet sounding word has the power to ease, comfort, and provide the space we need to allow ourselves to feel how we feel. I know sometimes it can be difficult for some to give Grace to others and oftentimes it’s even more difficult to accept it, but either way Grace makes us stronger.

Off in another room I hear the crinkling of what sounded like Little Debbie wrappers. I then hear Lily saying, “Rykie, you’re not supposed to be getting into those.” In quick response Rykie softly said, “It’s OK, I’m being sneaky.”

“Mom can we have a snacky,” says Aari?!?!! (A snacky is a thing that holds snacks and a drink in the same container…it is also “so cool” says Lily) They cost $14.99!

“I don’t know. $14.99 times 5 is a lot of money.”

Jeremiah (from the other room), “Mama, Mama I have something important to tell you!  When you buy one snacky you get one free!!!”

From a young age we thought Jeremiah would make a great sales person. That day has apparently arrived. 

The other day I came home from a local hardware store. As I was walking out of the store I heard someone say, Paul’s a fag…Paul’s a fag. The tone in their voice was that of disdain. I looked over at them to only hear them say it again to the person they were with. 

So, friends please pass this along to any Pauls that you know. Have a talk with Paul and see how they’re doing.

Paul, any person who is going to loudly spew hate in the middle of a public place has nothing good to say. Don’t listen to them – they don’t deserve your time or your attention. And, if you need help, reach out. Reach out to the person who shared this with you or reach out to me…but reach out. 

Paul, live your best life!

#Pride #LoveforPaulseverywhere

Rachel from the bedroom: Do you know what I would have been doing on a Saturday night when I was growing up?

The older kids from the comfort of the couch: What?

Rachel: Unloading hundreds of bales of hay.

Jeremiah in a quiet voice: Well, we don’t live on a farm.

Me (sitting by Jeremiah): Son, don’t go there.

Trying to explain that not all the clocks that Lily would come across in her life would be in sync with each other was its own sort of anguish. I’m sure she still thinks I’m wrong and will one day get to correct me.

The younger two are riding their tricycles around the house (yes, inside and no, that was not my idea) and I keep calling them to come to the table to eat lunch.

Me: Girls, if you two don’t come to the table right now I am going to have to put your tricycles outside.

Rykie: Wait Mama! I’m just looking for a place to park.