the haircut

 

It was traumatic for all involved.  Esp the newbie stylist at Cut 'n' Curls.

Leland clung to me like he was being stabbed.
His screamed as through he was having acid thrown into his eyes or something.
It was crazy & there I sat in the 'kiddie' chair holding my son with his little blonde locks all over me.

It was sad to see his golden tendrils laying on the floor.
They saved me some to keep & now he's a little man.

He looks older & that makes me a little sad.
BUT - he sure is cute & he reminds me even more of his Daddy (which I love)

I think the part that made me smile in that traumatic event was Jude's reassuring tone with his brother.  From the station Jude sat in, he said to Leland, "Brother, just watch me....just watch Big Brother and see it's going to be Ok..."

what I love

 

I love the look on my son's face when he hops off the bus and notices the cookie jar is full.

I love how he hums as he savors his cookie. 

I love how he sighs after that first sip of milk.

I love how Leland comes around looking for a bite. 

I love how Jude doesn't hesitate to give him one. 

I love how Jude enjoys an afterschool hug with his little brother. 

I love that these boys will remember these times together and with me. 

 

art

Dictionary.com says that art is:

 

the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.

 

Surrounded by creatives and being one as well, I've found that it seems quite common to be very critical of who is actually 'good' at what they do.  I guess I have always found that intimidating & my traits are given to fearing any type of failure.  This being said, I avoid that which I am unsure of being a little bit good at.  

 

I am loving watching my son take an interest in art.  Drawing, painting, cooking. 

 

I had to post some recent projects he brought home.  They simply made me smile and remember that the definition above really does describe what my son is doing.  He really is creating something of more than ordinary significance.   

 

We are excited to watch this gift develop in him....hoping to expose him to much this summer.  Cooking.  Painting.  Swimming.  Maybe even a little typography project....

Jude created a snowman family complete with Mom/Dad, Elderly grandparent, Eldest sister, middle son & baby sister.  CUTE

Dog, of course.  He purposely folded the tongue up so that he would 'kiss' those who came by.  ;-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

currently reading

The library has been a place of refuge lately.  Leland is old enough to enjoy reading books and attending story time.  Jude is devouring all of his books at such a pace that we have to keep returning for fresh new ones.

This last trip with the boys was fantastic for 2 reasons:

1-Leland cracked everyone up with how he just walks around like he owns the place and giggled at the fishies in the fish tank.
2-I found a new book for ME!

Nigella Lawson, a brilliant chef, wrote what I believed to be a cookbook.  Although, after making a latte and sitting down with the massive book, I realized it was so much more.  It truly is her memoir.  She tells a story with each recipe.  With every 'food idea' she gives variations or little recommendations so that you can make or adjust to fit your own needs.

Read this excerpt of which I absolutely LOVE:

Sometimes reality has the edge over romance; albeit I have said before, and hand-on-heart declare again, that for me the kitchen is not a place I want to escape from, but to escape to....

She won me over with this line as I feel EXACTLY the same way.  

I am also in LOVE with the photography of the book.  Not only do the meals & desserts look appealing but the step by step photos make these refined dishes seem like a cinch. 

You will see some Nigella food coming soon, folks....stellar recipes that are purposely not pretentious, just comfort food refined. 

Does it help that she is DROP dead gorgeous? 

maple pecan bundt of which I am trying immediately!

snack of the day courtesty of Trader Joe's

I am WILD about these. 

So are my boys.

So is my husband. 

Perfect combination of graham crackers & animal cookies.  

Best part is snacking while teaching letters and spelling out silly words on our kitchen table. 

16 months

Oh this child...he is all too hilarious for words.  His personality already tells me that he will make others laugh harder than he will ever intend.  His sweet face will make women melt.  His blue eyes will make discipline difficult.  His stubborn spirit will make discipline necessary.

I love this kid but am ready for time to slow down.  From what I hear, it just doesn't.

Happy 16 months, Leland Ryan.  I love you.  ~Mommy

monday nights matter

Sometimes I look at Mondays as simply my 'task' day - I get a ton done typically.

Last night, was something special.

We've been reading more with Jude.  Joel has especially taken it as 'his time' with his eldest son.  It's been nothing short of miraculous to watch the transformation since the beginning of kindergarten.  Jude read an entire book to Joel after dinner.

Meanwhile, Leland got into trouble putting the 'connect 4' circular pieces in the grids of the bottom of the fridge.  How does he think this stuff up?

he looks dead but he's just getting into trouble!  xoxo

Feeling so blessed to have these 2 guys - and at such lovely stages.  One is learning to read.  One is learning to push my buttons and make me laugh.

Not to mention a man to father them...with love, discipline & a caring demeanor.  Life is sweet.  If we sweat the small stuff, we miss the sweet stuff.  Look closely & write it all down, friends.  Don't miss it.