Simmered Goodness

There was a unique occasion that I decided was enough justification to make my first fall pumpkin recipe early this year. It’s one of the boys’ favorites: Football Season Pumpkin Chili. I took Benny to the store early this day for the veggie shopping. His attire consisted of a Greenbay Packers pajama set and a bed head. He helped me shop, but I told him I was making a surprise that day while he was in school.

The delicious simmered smell filled my home with fall love and a warm welcome for my babes upon their school-day return. My car was being worked on during the day so my garage was car-less. I took this opportunity to fool the boys into thinking that I wasn’t home, and hid to see what they would say as they walked through the door after school. Benny yells, “Mom made her famous chili I think!” I heard the lid of the crock pot open. Then there went the talk that he spots my fresh baked cornbread cooling on the counter… but it didn’t stop there. He shuffled through the pantry and said, “She got the Fritos too!” That with shredded sharp cheddar and greek yogurt are the toppings that make it extra special.

It is exclusively premature because this Mom is attempting to learn football this year! I meant to learn with my boys, but they have surpassed me far already at their young ages. We all made our own fantasy league with some friends. This makes it a distinctive and memorable season of Football for us this year. The boys helped me pick out players as my fantasy selections dwindled on past the obvious known players that I selected. These boys of mine knew just what to do.

The first match was against the Sergeant… and he smoked me. The second against my dearest friend and it was close, but she beat me as well. The third I’m hoping shall be a charm!  

Just when I thought our Sundays couldn’t possibly be more precious… they are becoming more delicious and special to each of us, every week.

A Child's Arms

I brewed some peppermint tea and lit a candle as my babies were just put to bed... a sweet process. Today was built up, as it sometimes is. I worked for days in a row as my yearning for them collected in the silent moments. It does the same for them because I can feel it burst out of them at my sight.

My Sergeant has these eyes, these eyes for me that look deep into my soul configuring me and loving every ounce of his mom. My Benny just can't wait to be close to his mom... he even tries to catch up the missing days in his sleep. 

I love to smell them when I get them. 

I love to squeeze them when I get them.

I love to get a little crazy and mommy wild with them in my mommy pitched voice.

I love to hold them sweetly and listen to all their stories. 

I ask if they've eaten their fruits and veggies and brushed their teeth. 

I love them so much. They are so perfect to me.

The boys often confirm that I will be with them on our days together. Their arms fit so snuggly around me as we chat. Scarlet gets a few funny jabs in to interrupt us. She made a bridge over Benny and I tonight. Every night I cuddle with each of them separately in their beds. They pick a special prayer and I hold them as they talk to Jesus. Sometimes, I fall asleep with them after. 

My Sergeant melted me last week as he said with those connected eyes of his, "Mom, I always pray for you every night when I'm not with you that you stay safe." Those are the loving arms of my children... with or without them.