soul medicine

Insanely beautiful weather

in January

going without socks

on an outing to the zoo

with a giraffe-crazy two-year-old

a sweeter-than-candy baby

and a Daddy who holds your hand

and enjoys the hippos

just as much as you.

Perfect!

together

I was grateful, as we held hands and made our way into the church building, that I’d pulled myself away from the cozy sofa and the dishes in the sink and the email to check to brave the chilly night air and go to our ward’s Relief Society Mother/Daughter activity.  Kate seemed excited to have a special night out, especially when I told her that fingernail painting was involved.  As we made our way to the Relief Society room, I reminded my little lady that she needed to act grown up. “Like Leslie?” (her favorite babysitter), she asked?  “Yes, just like Leslie.” 

Thankfully, the infamous Leslie was there, too.  Kate was thrilled.

After a short introduction and explanation, I let Kate lead the way to the break-out classes she was most interested in.  Not surprisingly, we stopped off at the fingernail painting table first.  A few minutes (and 10 hot-pink nails) later, my girl was all smiles and admiring her hands.  Next we took in the 'make-up dos and don’ts' class (and finished with a dolled-up 6-year-old).  With Kate looking more grown-up than ever, we finished the night at the exercise class (“Because I like it when we do yoga together, Mom.”) 

Spending time, one-on-one, with Kate is priceless.  I didn’t realize how little of it we have together.  Usually we are surrounded by babies, and because she is the world’s greatest baby helper, I use her company as ‘help’ more often than not.  But, every now and again it is a blessing to realize that my Kate is more than just a mini-mommy.  She is a growing girl with lots of ideas to share and questions to ask; feelings to work through and learning to do.  

She is amazing.  And, I’m honored that she’s mine.

new eats

I've been on a 'trying new recipes' kick.  Dinner was in need of some shakin' up!  Some recipes have resulted in lots of smiles.  Others have been tossed (recipe AND leftovers) for the dumpster rats to enjoy.  The experiment tonight yielded 12 thumbs up.  Well, Lea didn't exactly get to taste it 1st hand to give her opinion, but I'm sure she'll love it when solids become a part of her repertoire.  Anyway...I stole it from my fab friend, Shaina, so I'll just link you to it here.  Enjoy!

sunshine