two cups

I lace mine with flavored creamer, a glug of nonfat milk and a splash of sugar-free syrup. I am slightly envious as I watch him pour his own cup black. I am still stirring and he sips his... straight forward and to the point. Just the way he lives. And there is my cup... creamy and sweet, dressed up to disguise the bitter...
I nod to myself and one tears slides down...

true treasure

We made it through customs long before my parents. For once, we were in the right line... but it only moved us into a small, very cramped area to wait for security to be up and running. Or, instead of crowding in, we could scoot into the gift shop. There wasn't much money left in my pockets... I had already filled my duffel bag with no regrets.  But maybe... I needed one or two more souvenirs. Anything to bring this all home with me. So I wandered, just looking and not finding anything I needed... until Eric called me over. One look, no hesitation... okay, buy it. The pieces were whisked out of the case and wrapped in paper before I even had a chance to really look at it, but that didn't make a bit of difference. I knew what it was... knew that even a scratch or gouge would not have changed my mind. I carried it close to my heart, all the way home... all the way across the ocean. The perfect remembrance and one of the most beautiful treasures we would carry home from Africa.

past time

It was my goal for September.  And October. 

I did the research, found some deals and still... never went.  But finally, as we were chasing down the last days of November, we carved out the time and it was more fun that I could've imagined.  There was laughter and smiles that I can never conjure, nevermind capture.  I think it has been a million years since the last portraits were taken, and I've been proudly displaying Laura's photo from 6th grade all this time.  Definitely time for an update. 

Simply having a photo of my two kids, back to back, makes me grin with glee. Truly.  I'm not waiting so long next time... this moment will never come again.  I'm not ruling out better moments... I'm just lingering in this one. 

the first day

December first...
An important day in the life of my children... a holiday all its own.
The day when they peel back a numbered door and begin counting down the days... til Christmas. 
And there is nothing like that first day, even though the joy continues for 23 more. 

This year, they each have their own.  I had debated about the Lego Advent calendar for Cam... but Richella convinced me.  There aren't too many more years... and she is right.  So Camden will build his way towards Christmas, loving every minute of it.

And Laura? 
Hers is extra special.  Made by... me.  Thank goodness I started early!  In each box she will find... a note from me, and a little trinket or piece of candy.  Just for fun.  And along the way, I hope she will dig into her bible and look up the verses I've hidden.

We will count down the days... we will light the candles and we will read.  Celebrating Advent soothes the waiting... cuts the suffering out of patience... and laces the days of December with joy.