joy

a counter

I just found this post I wrote three years ago.  It's funny, I haven't even thought about that post until this moment when I realized I had an entire folder of pictures titled 'Everdeen on the counter' :) She is so content just sitting and watching. Getting nibbles of breakfast, lunch, or dinner as we prepare it. Helping...learning. I can't think of a better and more simple way to 'be' as a family. 

When I was growing up we ate at the kitchen table as a family every night (except for the occasional Sunday night when we would watch Star Trek and eat apples and popcorn for dinner...we are big nerds and we don't care). It was a place of comfort and familiarity.  It's where big family decisions were made, where we shared about our school day...when we were younger my mom would even read a couple chapters from a book out loud. I can still remember the moment when my parents said we could get a kitten. The three of us sisters, sitting anxiously at the dinner table, waiting for the answer after b e g g i n g for months. Being told that taking care of a cat was a lot of responsibility..."We know! We know! We'll scoop the liter and feed it and play with it! PROMISE!" haha Why does any parent believe those words? :)

Martin and I make it a point to eat at the table as a family every night too (except when I need a rerun boost from Everybody Loves Raymond). There are some evenings when there isn't much talking after a long day of work or Everdeen refuses to eat her dinner because she would rather be playing musical chairs, "I need dat one!" There is something so sacred about family time...it is the bond that keeps us strong, helps us focus on each other. We learn how important it is to put others first and to care and love for each other unconditionally. 

Sometimes I worry that Everdeen and I don't do enough things during the day. But I have to remind myself that being by my side and watching and helping me is important quality time too. She is my mini-me, my tiniest little helper. I wouldn't trade those moments of singing and conversations, while she sits contentedly on the counter, for anything. 

{29/52)

"a portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Everdeen Kate: Lately, you are loving telling your own rendition of your favorite stories...even if you're the only one who can understand what you're saying, I love hearing you 'read'.  It makes my former kindergarten teacher heart proud :)   

 Linking up with Jodi :)

the lovers, the dreamers and me | la da da di da da dum

Just as we were putting Everdeen to bed we spotted a rainbow out the window. The two of them stood and watched it for a long time as the curtains danced and whipped around them. Just as the last of the colors faded away it was time to put our little tot down for bed...I think I know what she'll be dreaming of tonight.

curls

My husband decided we should go for a walk to search for rainbows after another afternoon of thunderstorms.  Everdeen reminds me of a little puppy.  Whenever we say the word "walk" she squeals with delight and runs to get her shoes by the door.  Sometimes we can even get her to bring us our shoes.  She's especially helpful when jamming them on the wrong feet. 

We didn't find a rainbow, but we did take lots of pictures of Everdeen and her curly hair. Oh that hair! I love every curl! She was bound to end up with curly hair. Martin, my older sister and dad all have beautiful curly hair...well *ahem* one of them used to. My twin sister and I have hair that won't make up its mind...Today I feel curly! Oh wait, nope...just frizzy. 

I'm a lion hear me roar!

I hope I can teach her to love her mess of curls.  I'm sure when she's a teenager she'll insist I buy her a straightener.  But for now, the more wild the more beautiful it is :)