A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

A four day weekend left us much to be grateful for:

• time with Grammy
• friends from San Francisco and their friendly dog
• outdoor fun
• time together

• coloring and televisions
• matching pajamas (great minds think alike)
• more birthday celebrating

This is one of our favorite read alouds. I will admit that there are pages with description that make my skin crawl. But I do like the artwork and the conversations it provokes in our family.We even like to say that Henry is the boy on the cover.
So this weekend when he took a tumble and got a scab on his face. He later found himself inside the book, with the same scab.
He is our resident stuntman, following in the footsteps of Uncle Chris.

I have a house full of folks who want it to be Christmas.Our oldest has waited over a month to start this:Happy December!

in a $1 ride in the Santa sleigh.in the afternoon sunshine to play by the water.
in a project for Olivine’s dresserjust a quick makeover in the form of knobs.in her request to wear shoes before bed.in a quick read (one night) and yes- Julie and Pilar were right- I loved it!in a little spiked eggnog while wearing new pajama pants.
in the art of procrastination because yes, I have grading and planning that awaits me.

kale chipsbusted lip (the tooth went through her lip-yikcs!). She will point and say “owie.”An early morning breakfast date with Henry Bear while we await an oil change. Just him and I, a chance to listen to his stories with undivided attention to his wonderfully elaborate and sometimes confusing stories.

A big brother who is into labeling. When she crawled into my bed, I noticed he had even labeled her. I was impressed that he had undone the safety pin and put it back together so carefully.I love four day weekends!

is part of the magic of a rainbow.We spotted one yesterday afternoon. Happy Birthday Ba’chan. We miss you!

Our holiday mascot that Olivine adores.Paul came home with a bag full of treasures
including writing with a tree map.
Yesterday my class celebrated with an annual thankful feast/potluck. They brought salad, corn, chicken, rolls, mac & cheese, pie, dirty rice, mashed potatoes, and spaghetti.While today has been a beautifully mellow day.
I am grateful for time spent talking to kitties through open windows.
I am grateful for game playing
and using words to solve problems.I am grateful that while Olive took a nap, we had time to make cookies
pumpkin flavoredstuffed with cookie butter.I am grateful that we could watch the Macy’s parade on-line while they baked (We saw your instagram photos Jessica Kim and we are jealous that you saw those big balloons in real life this morning. It’s on our bucket list for sure!).
I am thankful for pigtails and barefeet.I am grateful that in just a little while our family of five will sit down to enjoy a home cooked meal and toast to days spent well.

They love to draw and talk and sit around the table together.Olivine likes to draw in the corners, flip the pages, and scribble a ton. She was saying “No” and I guess she didn’t want photos taken of these original pieces. She is still learning how to sign her name.While Henry likes to draw pictures for her and of her. He will color them and say “Look baby, it’s you. Do you like it?’ It’s not so much the words, but this sweet tone he takes, like he is talking to a baby. Meanwhile she stops, listens, and bends very close to the page to see his artwork and then says “uh-huh.”Then they will start whispering to eachother and then they will kiss and hug and roll around on the rug like two puppies.Paul will tune out all their laughter.He has a love of space (just like I did) where the infinite and far off seems mysterious and amazing.
You see why I like dessert so much around here.

So if two birthday’s in my own home weren’t enough, Paul had a party for someone in his class.There was a game truckand so of course I was the mom inside snapping photosand setting my watch, knowing he would stay in there the whole time if I let him. But there was sunshine and friends and fruit outside to enjoy.