Star Soul

Well, its 4:00 in the morning and I can't sleep. At 29, the insomnia that has plagued my parents for years has hit me as well. It's no fun, but I'm embracing it and figure I may as well get up and do something, rather than toss and turn for hours.
So, here is a recap of our wonderful weekend (and Monday added on). August started Ben's new schedule, which includes No More Weekends! Woo Hoo! It is wonderful to have family time and to be able to enjoy life together. Esther loves having both of us and commands us to 'hug' and 'kiss', just Ben and I, then a 'family hug'. So sweet!
Back to the weekend. Saturday was very busy, but fun. We started off with a trip to our local market for some yummy veggies and music. The corn is actually from our landlord, who is a very sweet, 80-something year old man. The eggplant, care of backyard harvest, made a delicious eggplant parmesan on Sunday.

We then headed to Ben's ER department picnic at Sandy Creek Park. Esther enjoyed playing on the dock and romping around with the other kids.

After an attempt to get E to sleep (which did not happen), we went to our dear friends' son's 7th b-day party. It was pirate themed and included water balloons. Esther has been saying 'party' ever since. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera out to capture the fun.

Sunday was a wonderful day of relaxation. It was the first time in a very long time where we have had absolutely nothing to do. It was great! We got up and made banana nut pancakes. Esther LOVES to help me cook. She likes to pour in the ingredients and help stir. After breakfast, we went to the local zoo, then went swimming. I later made a wonderful dinner (the eggplant parm). I rarely have time to make such an extravagant dinner, so it was quite a treat.

They were yummy!

Monday, we returned to Ashford Manner to see Grogus (local latin band). Esther was up in front of the stage at the first note played. We danced the night away with good friends and family. Esther continues to ask for 'munic' (music) and 'dance', so now we are having daily dance parties in the living room.

Late in the evening, after the sun went down (it was really hot, too)

So, we are enjoying life. Three times last week, the theme of 'living in the moment, slowing down, and appreciating all you have' came to me. I am trying to pay attention to this message. Esther is no longer a baby and changes every day. Ben and I are very blessed to have the relationship we have, a beautiful daughter, and wonderful family and friends. We are grateful to God and all who have helped us along the way. To many more wonderful moments...