A random thought.

Ashton's language skills have been exploding this past month. He is starting to put several words together, sing songs and use "catch phrases," often incorrectly. These past few days he has chosen the phrase "Mommy! Where are you?" (asked in a somewhat desperate tone) to say "I want you to focus on me." While I don't assume that he understands the connotation of that usage, it seemed terribly appropriate and has caused me to reflect. I tend to microfocus. My husband teases me, rightfully so, that when I get focused on some project it is as if he isn't even in the room. With boards coming up, most of my time has been spent trying to multitask studying and family in a way that is not always successful. Ashton's sweet pleas have acted as a reminder to me that being present and being physically near are not necessarily synonymous.

My dear friend Melissa talks about the French's commitment to the present. Experience has showed her that, when with others, they are not rushed to get to their next appointment or distracted by their prior engagement; they are entirely focused on what is happening in that moment. Of course, it probably doesn't hurt that she is an attractive young woman well versed in their language and culture. Yet it is a reminder that it is only in the here and now that true friendship can flourish; that we would all do better if we took a moment's breath to return to the place that CS Lewis called closest to eternity, the present, and by doing so ensure that we are truly present for our loved ones.

Playing at Riverside Park

Every year, the Riordan boys leave on a 5 day campout. One rule is that no child can come who is not capable of taking care of him or herself, which means that the sister-in-laws are left home with a whole den full of children under the age of 12. Despite the obvious challenges this poses, I have come to look forward to this time each year to bond with my Riordan sisters and reunite with my kids. Today Laurel, Andrea and I (along with 5 rambunctious little ones) took a brave trip to Riverside Park to feed the ducks and play on the playground. Benjamin, Ashton and Samuel peaking out the "tractor" window.
Isaac playing in the "tractor" scoop.

Isaac discovered this toy for the first time. He is finally tall enough to jump and reach the ring, but often lacks the momentum to get to the other side. Although he usually got stuck 1/2 way, he loved it!

Ashton peeking around a railroad tie.

Ashton was much more brave about swinging from the bar above the slide than actually going down the slide.

Picking Cherries

Who needs a ladder when you can pick cherries like this?

Thanks for blankets.

Ashton has just started trying to pray on his own, usually consisting of "Hevely Fada, mumble mumble mumble, amen." A few days ago, we were getting ready for bed, when Ashton decided he was thirsty. After a glass of water, he asked to be tucked in a blanket, and then said the following prayer.

"Dee' Hevely Fada'. Mumble, mumble water. Mumble, mumble blanket. Mumble Jesus Cwis', Amen."

It was the first time he really put together his surroundings into a prayer. It is so wonderful to feel his appreciation for the world around him.

Ashton turns two.

Happy birthday Ashton! (June 15th)

Sleeping with a sugar daddy . . . what could be better. (He tie-dyed the shirt the previous day.)

We had dinner at Uncle John's and Aunt Ari's house. While grilling, the boys found this "twin cob."

Ashton was so happy when we started singing. He loves being the center of attention. He picked a fight with a church bench that morning. I think a close look at his nose clearly reveals who came out victorious.

He made a huge mess with his cupcake. I started wiping his face, then noticed goo all over the chair. It wasn't until I stuck my finger in the "frosting" that I realized it was diarrhea, not cupcake.

We had to carry him by his hands and feet to the tub for a hose down, which was probably the highlight of his day. Ashton is a very happy kid, and a joy to have in our home!

Luna Moth

These things are so COOL!

Cut and Color

Yesterday, I told Isaac that we were going to the beauty salon for me to get a cut and color and him to get a hair cut. Well, of course, Isaac wanted color too, so Norah obliged with some colored gel.

How far will YOU go to get ice cream?

On my birthday, we let Ashton hold the ice cream on the way home from the store. We thought the way he seemed to cuddle with the ice cream was so cute . . . and we laughed out loud when he started kissing the ice cream box, or so we thought . . . until we saw the ice cream covering his face. He chewed through the box! I suppose if you work that hard for the ice cream, you deserve it.