Election Day

I vote today to honor my parents, who fled a country that suppressed their rights, who came to this country with only hope, for all the men and women who ensured our safety on that journey, and who continue to provide us with this opportunity. I may be one voice, but I live the American Dream everyday. Election Day is one of my favorites.

Patience and Pho

There are many things that you will strive to do faster. However, there are things that can't be rushed...Pho is one of them. No matter how much you want it, before the 4th hour of cooking, all you will have is beefy water. Time and consideration help deepen the broth. And all the time you took to make it is so worth it. We have been feeding you boys pho since you were babies. You all know the components, but it will take time for you to master it. And I can't wait for you to make your first vat. 

Playing with Fire

Dad watched this TED Talk titled "5 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Child Do." The message was "The most effective way to keep children safe is o give them a little taste of danger." 

http://youtu.be/NXhddUqNNjo

So this weekend, we played with fire. 

Chess and ice cream

Yesterday, Jaxon scored!!! And to celebrate, we had dinner at Sushi Station with dessert at Oberweis. 

Blood Moon

I love that you all love science. After talking last night with Jaiden about the Blood Moon/Lunar eclipse, I woke up at 5am. Watch Jaiden gasp with excitement and seeing Jaxon jump out of bed to see it made me happy today. 

Shooting Stars and hot chocolate

At 5:30, I woke up, but forced myself back to sleep...at 5:50, I was startled awake by quiet "MOMMY!" And Jaxon's face next to me. It was the Orionids meteor shower and we had great clear morning skies to catch a few shooting stars. I'd never seen one and as much as Jaxon scared the crap out of me, it was so endearing to see him wake up the whole house so we could all experience it together. So in the dark of this chilly 42 degree morning, we wandered out side and saw 2 shooting stars and 2 quickly moving "stars". We used my app to identify constellation and when the sky lightened and the stars dimmed, we went inside for hot chocolate. That's what made me happy today. 

Remembering to document everyday moments

I know I am not good at taking the time to write, otherwise, my book would have been written by now. I was feeling like I have to say something insightful or meaningful or thoughtful in this blog, and that is what was hampering the progress before. I have to keep reminding myself that this is about remembering and celebrating what made me happy everyday. Many times it is just a simple moment that makes me smile or appreciate life in this family. 

This is what made me happy yesterday...Miss Morgan cutting your hair on her driveway. A friend helping out another friend.