Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Surprise Breakfast!

Another special Saturday in the Brandi Books! The kids surprised us with a late wake-up (7:15 AM -- woohoo!) on Saturday along with a beautifully decorated living room and a delicious breakfast of peanut butter toast and a huge plate of Girl Scout cookies (well played, children, well played). Mark's was accompanied by a glass of grapefruit juice and mine with a glass of water--this probably touched my heart the most, because it showed they know the small details about us. Dad drinks juice in them mornings; mom doesn't. We are thankful they didn't attempt coffee, however.

I was very proud of Mark for not freaking out over the scotch tape the kids used to hang up the banner over the fireplace. He started for it, but managed to pull himself back. (And it all turned out fine! I replaced the scotch tape with painters tape once breakfast was over and the thrill of the moment had tempered).


It was such a sweet moment, I got a little teary. It's hard watching them grow up so fast, but it's also so fun and makes me so proud to see what great little humans they are turning out to be! Best breakfast I've ever had!

Decorations by Lainey!
 
TV trays out and breakfast is served!

Clearly we couldn't eat all of these on our own!

Mark may have gotten juice, but I got a clementine!


 

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Quiet Moments

I don't know about you, but the start of 2018 has been a killer for us. We've been overscheduled, overstimulated, overtired, and just over it in general. I'll be the first to admit that a large portion of the mania has been self-inflicted and certainly hasn't been without fun moments, but the go-go-go has taken its toll nonetheless.

So, on Saturday, when I found us snuggled together, post-early-morning-sledding adventure, I captured it. We stayed in our PJs, skipped Nick's soccer class, and forgot about the chores. For two blissful hours, we watched the Olympics, drank coffee and hot chocolate, and let ourselves just be. Wow! Did we ever need those two hours!

I almost didn't take the photo. I'm trying to focus on being in the moments versus taking record of them. But, I really wanted to remember this morning. I need reminders to slow down. I need reminders that quiet moments on the couch are important. I need reminders that, in the mad rush to ensure we're feeding their minds and bodies, we also need to make sure we're feeding their souls. And when my gratitude cup gets low and I feel frustrated and overburdened, I need reminders that we are beyond privileged to be able to enjoy these simple, tender moments.


Thursday, February 8, 2018

Nick Says... Installment 2

My Funny Guy


Things are busy as always, and I haven’t been particularly in the mood to write, so I thought perhaps it’s time for another installment of “Nick Says.” I’m getting slightly better at writing down the magic that comes out of this kid’s mouth. Below are some gems from the recent weeks.  Again, I will never be able to do them justice on paper, but it won’t stop me from trying!

Interesting interpretation of the question…

Mark: Are you tough?

Nick: Well, I’m hard to bite into. 

 
Strange comment, but I’m sure he’s right…

(Holding a cold compress to his eye)

“It’s not helping. And even if I put a pterodactyl on it, it won’t help.”

 
Oh, Buddy...

“Oh man. Who left their meat down here [in the basement]?”

It was just a box of Ziploc bags with meat on the cover.

 
Usually the answer is “yes,” but this time it was just shoes...

Nick:  Where did Daddy go?
Me:  He went to look at something really quick.
Nick:  Because he’s an engineer?

 
Evidently, naughty elves look out for their own…

“I know why Santa still brought me presents. Because he sent a naughty elf to watch me.”

 
Always a helpful planner…

“Mommy, let’s stop worrying about the party at my house. Because I’m probably going to change my mind about having the party at my house.”

 
Moral questions over bacon…

"That pig was delicious! Daddy, was the pig bad and deserved to die?"

 
At least he understands where his food comes from…

Nick: Where is the mommy chicken?

Me: The chicks don’t need her; they have this incubator.

Nick: Did someone eat her for dinner?