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Friday, March 29, 2013

Apple Latkes, Surprises, and Little Sisters


We decided to embark on a family campaign of good deeds on this good Friday (inspired by our own foot washing ceremony yesterday).  When Lily slept in, Zosia asked if we could make her breakfast in bed.  One new recipe, a dusting of flour around the kitchen, and several apple latkes later, we had success!  Lily is generally so grateful, but especially so when Zosia bestows her with a special gift. Little sister that she is, there is simply nothing better than some special attention from her big sister.

Later in the morning, we rushed home from an outing with friends to meet up with my brother in law, Robbie.  He is in town interviewing for jobs, and my sister Irene (who, seven months pregnant, decided to stay in Haiti for this trip) told us he had a package to deliver to us.  When I heard our dog barking, someone letting themselves in, and a woman's voice floating through the house, I couldn't quite figure out who it was.  A neighbor?  A friend?  Robbie using a funny voice?  We have familiar faces coming around the house all the time.  Only after rushing out to the living room did I see it was Irene, home for Easter!  Here, in Virginia!  I must tell you,  I have honestly never been so surprised in my entire life.  Me and the girls were just stunned for about thirty minutes.  And then we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon with quite possibly our favorite person in the world (and her cute baby bump!).  Of course I was so excited I didn't snap a single picture, but I will certainly make up for it this weekend.  We little sisters scored big today!  High five, Lily!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

what no one tells you


about this sibling thing is that these children of yours grow to adore one another so much.  That they  squeal from joy at seeing one another in the morning and then treat one another partly as siblings, partly as friends, and partly as extensions of their own selves. There is simply nothing like it in the entire world, this sibling bond.

Above: 
::the pack eating breakfast
::Hugo holding onto Lily's ear after his nap (this is his funny comfort-attachment thing, ever so gently holding onto your ear... usually reserved for me, on occasion for another special person).
::Lily sharing the beloved Hoppity
::Zosia teaching Hugo how to dance.

It's such a beautiful thing to witness.

(And yes, of course, there is occasional bickering and tug of wars and whatever else those parenting books make you scared about, but the love is what stands out.)

Monday, March 25, 2013

That Tricky Thing


Just when we were ready to pack away our winter things for good,winter has played one last trick on us (whew, this has been a tricky winter!  So many "last hurrahs").  But you know what?  A pretty snowfall that melts by afternoon is okay with me and definitely just fine with the kiddos, who were thrilled to romp around in the snow with friends.  

And there is nothing as cozy as a day you're all together inside, appreciating the warmth.  Crepes were on the menu for lunch, and I spent the better part of the morning reading aloud to the girls with Hugo playing at our feet.  Speaking of feet, that is quite the assortment of shoes we're working on by the front door!  Sandals, snow boots, and rain boots.  Which will we be wearing tomorrow?

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

On This First Day of Spring


::Easter grass growing like crazy
::Flowers keeping us cheery inside on a cold windy day
::Some sibling reading time
::Biscuits for lunch (because I may have forgotten to get groceries this week... how did that happen?)
::The company of a little girl who is content to write stories all morning.

Happy Spring, everyone!

Friday, March 15, 2013

Brother Sun, Sister Moon


We have had Saint Francis on the brain this week!  Such a lovely saint, and perfectly appropriate as all of creation starts blossoming into spring.

(and that bottom picture is my favorite icon in the house: if you look closely, you can see that Mary is breastfeeding Jesus.  Nice work, Mary!)

Monday, March 11, 2013

i just want to ride bikes with you

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(pardon my technical difficulties while I experiment with photobucket!  I think the links should work now)

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Sneak Attack


Warning: if you come to our house for dinner, it is entirely possible that a little monster will climb up behind you and ATTACK you mid-dinner.  We should have known better than to have released him from containment.  He really is quite vicious (can't you tell?).