It's Fun To Be Here

There are so many great things that have already happened today that I'm having a hard time bringing it together as one post.  I'm going to declare this day a joy-average, laid-back, make-me-happy, barefoot-kind-of-day.  We've moved slowly, simply, enjoying the day as it evolves.  I'm giving all the credit and thanks to sunshine.  Thank you, sunshine, you right all my wrongs.

Today, we're preparing for Burl's party day tomorrow.  We're having a "red firefighter" party per Burl's request.  I'm not big on themed everything when it comes to parties, which is nice because that stuff is expensive.  Instead, I'm decorating with $5 worth of red balloons and streamers.  I've learned that I can do a lot with streamers.  I'm also taking care of those little clutter piles that take up residence when they're not welcome.  I think it's called "dressing up the house for the party." I like doing that.

The kids played around me and by my feet as I worked.  I loved it.  It's just great.  I haven't figured out why that feels so good, but I know it fills some part of me to the point of overflowing smiles and energy.  

During breakfast this morning, Burl looked up at the streamers and back at his food.  Very matter-of-fact he said, "It's fun being here, Mama."  Talk about overflowing smiles.  My heart did four leg kicks and one rowdy "go team," because I want that.  I'm having fun and it makes me happy to hear that Burl is as well.  A counselor once told me that we should make our homes fun and welcoming and nurturing and all that good stuff for our kids, because we want them to always feel welcome at home and welcome to bring their friends here.  When they grow up, we want them to come back, knowing (or more importantly, feeling) it's an open door policy.  I hear ya, Mark the counselor, I so hear ya.

The kids had a hearty time of playing this morning.  Fern was busy doing her thing, which is fascinating to me.  I would love to get in her mind and see those wheels turning.  Burl, he'll tell me what he's doing.  Today he built his own house with pillows and a window.  

I would be lying if I didn't mention Curious George.  Burl may or may not know how to hit the big button on the remote to start another episode.  I love and hate this.  Something about the picture above is too cute to me.  

Eventually, I decided to create more hype for tomorrow.  Since Fern asked for her jacket and shoes and brought my jacket to me and waited for me to put it on, I took that as a sign that she wants to go somewhere.  A trip to the fire station was a no-brainer.  Duh.  We randomly stop by fire stations for a visit.  We just pop in and ask if we can look around, and we always get a friendly tour.  Sometimes we luck out and get an eager, excited fireman that seems to get what a big deal this is for the kids.  Today was one of those days.  Hype was served.

We headed back home and I asked Burl what he wanted to do.  He said, "eat." I liked that plan, and raised him a picnic.  Happy people, all around.  Two quick PB sandwiches later and we were outside soaking up sunshine and happiness.  

While we out there, Burl dropped another epic line, "Mama, it's fun to relax. I get on my tummy, see?"  With a line like that, it's fair to say that I am one happy Mama and this Friday is a good indicator of the weekend.  

There it is.  My happy meter is going off like crazy.  Bells, whistles, and all the good stuff.  I can't wait for this weekend, but I'm not rushing this Friday.  It's just too good.  Happy sunshine to everyone out there!!!  Fist bumps, booty shakes, and toe touches to each of you!

Burl's 3rd Birthday

Burl turned three yesterday.  It seems like such a big deal.  He can do "three" with his fingers, he can play with a lot more toys, he can't get as many places for free, and he's awesome.  I feel like all the good moms cry and bemoan their child growing on each birthday, while pairing those emotions with deep sentimental thoughts about their child's past, present, future.  Well, I don't have any of those.  I felt like I was suppose to cry all day, but I didn't.  All I did was celebrate and try to make everything super exciting.  

Here's the rundown:

1. We started his birthday at 7 am.  He walked into the kitchen where he saw streamers, a big present, cake and balloons.  He asked, "is this my party? Are my cousins at my house?" I explained that his party day was on Saturday, to which he replied, "then what's all this about, Mama?" Because, Buddy, we do birthdays right in this house.  He got a piece of cake and opened his one present: A Firetruck.  That boy played with it all.day.long.  John and I were so excited to give him that. 

2. Our friends got us in the aquarium for free.  (We were going to go to Bible study and take cake for the kids in the nursery, but Fern had a fever the day before and we couldn't put her in the nursery.)

3. We ate with my dad at his school, where Burl got a $2 bucket and shovel.  That's been the only other toy that Burl has played with since getting his firetruck.

4. We went by my brother's work to say hi just as a firetruck was leaving a call.  They gave Burl rowdy waves and lots of honks from the big red firetruck.

5. After naps, we played at home, until dinner.  We ate in the dining room with a red tablecloth, candles, strawberries, and "orange soup," per Burl's request.  Then, more cake with candles.  It felt grand.

John took Fern to get a bath while I stayed with Burl as he enjoyed his cake and talked to me.  He asked me to sit beside him.  I thought that this was it, this is when I'm going to cry, but I never did.  I just looked at him and thought about how cute he is and how I still can't believe he's our child.  It's such a fun thing to get to be a mom, especially to Burl!

Matchy Mom Outfits

Mark my words: I am not, never have been, and never will be one of those moms who matches their kids clothes to themselves.  Ever.  But, at least once a week, I leave the house matching my kids without noticing until we're walking out the door or someone points it out.  

Exhibit A: 

Deep down, I secretly love it.  I say and I believe that it's on accident, but when it happens about once a week, I start to wonder?  Am I one of those moms? Eek...

This Week's Menu

Every Sunday night, I post my menu for the week.  It helps me link my recipes, remember what the plan is, and serves as a record of things we've eaten in the past.  It's great.  Sometimes I add a little thought about food.  

Here's my thought for this week: John was right when he quoted Michael Pollan to me.  We have no idea what we're suppose to be eating.  While low meat is the diet of those who live in blue zones, the low carb diet (high on meat) is what really made me feel great.  This weekend, we watched a cooking show on public TV where they made a simple tomato caper sauce over spaghetti.  They taught me things like how to finish cooking the noodles in the tomato sauce and not to cook tomatoes too long so not to turn them into paste.  We went out and got the stuff and made it that night.  It was the best pasta I've ever made.  It was incredible.  I almost felt guilty for it because it's all high carb and might spike my blood sugar and stuff like that.  Then, I got over it.  I didn't stuff myself.  I enjoyed it and so did everyone at the table.  We talked about it the next day.  It was that good.  So, as with everything in life, I'm learning what healthy looks like for our house, and I have no idea what that is.  

Here's what I'm serving this week:

Red beans and rice, somewhere between complicated and simple

Burl's birthday request: "Orange soup" (aka, Mulligatawny), strawberry cake

BLT salad

Ham and pea pasta

Veggie night: leftover potatoes, roasted beets, limas, broccoli