In light of the tragedy in Connecticut this weekend, we all treasured our time together that much more. It was hard not to put yourself in the shoes of the parents who lost their children. I'm thankful for the reminder to never take for granted the time we get to share together - but oh, what a cost it came at!
That's why it thrilled my heart that not once, or twice but at least 4 times this weekend the kids suggested, "How about we all go cuddle on your bed and read?" Who can say no to that?! So, several times during this cold, gray, melancholy weekend, all 5 of us grabbed our books, hopped onto my bed, found a cozy spot with a pillow and blanket and read in the peace and warmth of our own little world. Several times I would pause from my reading, look around and take a mental picture of the scene before me. I want to soak it all up as much as possible. I love that this is what our family does together. It is a reflection of all we value: cuddle time, closeness, reading, serenity. Granted, the only reason the music wasn't also blaring was for the sake of my sanity. Apparently, I'm the only one in the family who can't read and listen to music at the same time.
This was a similar scene 5 years ago. I'm reminded of the song "Blink" every time I look at these precious children.
Not only did we accomplish lots of reading, the kids also continued to entertain us with their version of "play". Not even 5 minutes after Bennett walks in the door from school he entices Chloe with the following line, "Hey Chlo, wanna play The Fat Game?" Is this really a game? Is he really 11 or did we just time warp back the 5 years ago that I was just reminiscing about? How can you have a game that is fat? It didn't take long for me to find out the answers to the questions flooding my brain.
In case you are ever in need of a game, let me explain how The Fat Game works. First you will need to find your largest shirt, preferably a night shirt that you sleep in. Then, you are to stuff your bed pillow under the shirt. Next, tie your bathrobe belt around your waist to keep your fat in. Then you you run at each other as fast as you can and both fall backwards at the same time giggling like school girls. That's pretty much the gist of it. Sometimes there is the variation where you try to punch the other person as hard as you can in "the fat" and see if it hurts...but that can get risky, like if you miss "the fat" part. Also, running at each other at top speed requires alot of open floor space.
This is just a peek into our world this weekend. I'm so thankful we had no where to go and nothing to do so we could enjoy the gift of this time together.
That's why it thrilled my heart that not once, or twice but at least 4 times this weekend the kids suggested, "How about we all go cuddle on your bed and read?" Who can say no to that?! So, several times during this cold, gray, melancholy weekend, all 5 of us grabbed our books, hopped onto my bed, found a cozy spot with a pillow and blanket and read in the peace and warmth of our own little world. Several times I would pause from my reading, look around and take a mental picture of the scene before me. I want to soak it all up as much as possible. I love that this is what our family does together. It is a reflection of all we value: cuddle time, closeness, reading, serenity. Granted, the only reason the music wasn't also blaring was for the sake of my sanity. Apparently, I'm the only one in the family who can't read and listen to music at the same time.
This was a similar scene 5 years ago. I'm reminded of the song "Blink" every time I look at these precious children.
Not only did we accomplish lots of reading, the kids also continued to entertain us with their version of "play". Not even 5 minutes after Bennett walks in the door from school he entices Chloe with the following line, "Hey Chlo, wanna play The Fat Game?" Is this really a game? Is he really 11 or did we just time warp back the 5 years ago that I was just reminiscing about? How can you have a game that is fat? It didn't take long for me to find out the answers to the questions flooding my brain.
In case you are ever in need of a game, let me explain how The Fat Game works. First you will need to find your largest shirt, preferably a night shirt that you sleep in. Then, you are to stuff your bed pillow under the shirt. Next, tie your bathrobe belt around your waist to keep your fat in. Then you you run at each other as fast as you can and both fall backwards at the same time giggling like school girls. That's pretty much the gist of it. Sometimes there is the variation where you try to punch the other person as hard as you can in "the fat" and see if it hurts...but that can get risky, like if you miss "the fat" part. Also, running at each other at top speed requires alot of open floor space.
This is just a peek into our world this weekend. I'm so thankful we had no where to go and nothing to do so we could enjoy the gift of this time together.
