my artists

• Jane, today dad and I invited you on our pho date.  We wanted to spend some special time with you one on one.  It was so great.  We talked about all kinds of awesome stuff.  Gender, sexuality, religion, secrets, truth, drugs, alcohol, family and friendships.  You're such an interesting person.  You have well defined thoughts and opinions.  We talked about not putting anyone, including  yourself, in a box.  We are complex creatures, and it's pretty dangerous to place labels on anyone.  It's important to extend the same grace and open-mindedness to everyone that you would like to receive yourself.  Nothing is ever black and white.  To truly understand anyone, you would need to walk a mile in their shoes
• Jane, you've started your own Tumblr blog.  You post your drawings.  Today I taught you how to take photos with my camera and use good light so the subtle nuances of your drawings can be seen.   I'm so proud of you for continuing and growing with your drawing.  Keep going!
• Katie Bean, you babysat for us while we were out.  The babies were crazy today.  You did a good job.  You made grilled cheese for them for lunch, and they loved it
• I had a three hour nap this afternoon.  It was amazing.  I needed it
• After dinner, we went to Mundy Park to play.  Jane and Katie, even though you don't like to admit it, you had fun.  Hahaha.  You were bouncing a lacrosse ball around and laughing and having a great time
• We most definitely have two sporty children and two artistic children.  Jane and Lila, you had a great time drawing with chalk.  Katie and George, you had a blast playing hockey with dad.  It's so fun to see your different personalities and strengths
• Lila, I'm not completely sure why you were wearing that bonnet tonight.  It's a hat that my friend Zorana made for Jane when she was a baby.  All my babies have worn it.  I love it
• We met the most adorable puppy tonight.  She was amazing.  I want a dog so bad.  George, you especially loved that puppy.  The two of you started playing tag and it was the most adorable thing I've seen in a while.  She was an American Pitbull, and the softest, sweetest thing I've ever seen
• After we played hockey, we went along the creek to look for salmon berries and lilies.  So beautiful
• George,  you were tired, and we were close to bed time.  You tripped, then just laid on the path for a few minutes.  So adorable
• During my nap, you guys must have had wild time.  The pictures on the wall are all crooked and the lamp was knocked over.  But still, totally worth it for such a glorious nap :)