i love…

(a belated valentine's day post, in no particular order)

… Maddy’s crooked smile (not that she smiles crooked, but that her teeth on the right side are growing in before the left ones)

… living in a country where I don’t have to be afraid to walk outside

… the smell of clothes that have been dried outside

... my kids’ unending supply of creativity

… the sound of running water

… knowing that every time Cole says “Mommy?” it will be followed by “I love you”

… walking on just-vacuumed carpet

… watching Lij figure something out by himself (using his amazing determination, independence and enthusiasm)

… learning new things

… making Alexander laugh

… sitting in front of a wood-burning fire

… trying out a new recipe; especially one I made up; especially if the kids actually eat it

… the sound of all my kids playing together

… waking up next to Alexander

… fresh-baked homemade whole wheat bread – the smell & the taste

… and having my kitchenaid to make it with

… Dyl’s voice, which even sounds adorable when he’s whining

… taking a long walk on a crisp fall day

… seeing Cole’s “happy teeth” (what he calls a smile)

… the feeling of super-soft baby hair

… the peace of watching snow fall

… crawling into bed at the end of the day