A perfect day?!

I've had a rough go the past couple of months, so this post, or rather the reason for this post is long over due and sorely needed.

Today was in my book a perfect day. Perfect in the sense that all that needed to be accomplished was, and new tricks were learned and taught, quality time was spent, and peace settled on the house for just a moment...and boy how I savored that moment.

Here's the highlights.

I learned that Noah can help Caleb with his spelling...Noah feels smart and Caleb thinks it's cool to hang out with Noah and let him be his teacher...great knowledge that allows me to get Sam going on piano and help Max with his reading...Wha La. Harmony

Max is catching on to not having to sound out every word now, and actually has frequent words memorized...finally! Reading is no longer painful with him.

Caleb, Noah and Sam all got their piano lessons in. School was done by noon.

Had a great time with Mara in Claire's...her first trip...she was in awe at all the girly stuff...purses, headbands, sunglasses, bows, necklaces, princess stuff, jewels, she loved it all. (I lost her for a brief moment in JC Penny, but that was not part of the perfect day.)

Caleb cracked me up. We went into Bed Bath and Beyond and tried out their massager chairs...It was a great date he's been waiting for for a long time. He is so fun to hang out with. We searched the mall for a perfect hat (at a cheap price) and found one in the girls section...we won't tell him. It was a black stocking cap with a brim that he thinks is awesome. When we first got to the mall, he said,"a mall, I haven't been to one in like three years." probably true, but what seven year old keeps track? Had a great conversation with him on the way home and think he is so amazing.

Had a great talk with Noah and learned that he thinks this family is strange and wonderful. When asked if it was more strange or more wonderful he replied..."it's just that strange because Sam and Dad run around Naked and Caleb and Max run around in their underwear, and wonderful because of everything else." Funny thing is Dad doesn't run around naked, and Noah always streaks from the shower upstairs to his bedroom downstairs. when I pointed that out he said no "I run with a hand in front and one covering the back....Oh, good! glad your covered.

Actually got a great scripture reading session in and learned a lot of great things. Got a little bit of homework done, and spent time out in our jungle of a garden. Pumpkins and gourds, cucumbers and watermelon, canteloupe and green beans! all growing and doing well.

Just a moment of contentment.

Tomorrow I head to Idaho for my grandma's funeral. I can't help but wonder if such a perfect day came as one of God's tender mercies for me. I will miss my grandma sorely. What spunk she had. My mom is so much like her and I am so much like my mother. I love the generations and truly know that we are so much like our ancestors. I can't wait to greet her again and thank her for who I am and know that her hardwork is so much a part of me now. I love you Grandma Chatterton!