"Just like a family"

We had a happy, leisurely, peaceful weekend full of togetherness. Days together, when neither Chris or I have to work, usually come around only twice a month- every other weekend, we have Saturday evening and all of Sunday together. These "short" weekends have grown so precious to us and we all cherish them. We try all the time, but especially when the four of us are together, to emphasize to Ella what it means to be a family: that we love and take care of each other, that we have fun and laugh together, that we support each other when someone is sad, that the time we are together is super special no matter what we are doing. It warms my heart to see that Ella is really starting to get it. She has started asking me almost on a daily basis, "Mommy, tomorrow do you or Daddy have to work? Can Daddy eat orange rolls with us for breakfast just like a family? Can you both stay here and have fun and everybody be a family all day?" And yes to two questions- we do have dinner together through the week, almost every evening, but it is a little more rushed. And yes, it warms my heart and also breaks my heart, too. For now though, I will be grateful for the fact that she treasures our time together just as much as we do.

So Saturday evening, we stayed home, "just like a family", and had steak, sweet potatoes, and creamed corn for dinner, with homemade-by-Ella chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Chris commented that he loved the corn, to which Ella commented, "I really love you and Mommy." Yes, we melted. And she probably thanked me twenty times for dinner. Then we played games and a little on the Wii until time for bed. Sunday morning, we were up and ready for church with enough time left over to sit and have coffee together (I know you're shocked! haha!). Look at my two handsome men in their Sunday best...
At church, Chris and I got to listen to a great message about how being more prioritized and generous with our time and money can actually make our lives feel more free, while Ella had fun in Sunday school and Cade flirted and made eyes at all the ladies sitting around us. :) Then we went onto lunch at Cheesecake Factory and walked around the mall. I was finally able to return some Christmas gifts that I hadn't had time to do until now. Last night, we played a few games and had old-school Chef Boyardee pizza for dinner (which made both Chris and I think of eating at Jennifer and Janie's house-haha!). Ella was worn out from a busy day and no nap, and Cade had put in some hard work cleaning up the kitchen...
so our sleepy kiddos went to bed early, and Chris and I relaxed! I know, I know, now you're probably thinking we're such party animals and how in the world can we keep up with such a busy social schedule, right?! haha! I have to tell you, it was a great weekend and I loved every second! Okay, almost every one, except for Ella having a few meltdowns, one of which when I wouldn't let her lick the dressing room mirror at Express. What a mean Mommy, right? :) So other than those moments, the weekend couldn't have been better. I love my family and our times together "just like a family". Hope yours was just as great!!