Perfect Moment-New Year's Eve

As New Year's Eve approached this year, somewhere in the hubbub of the season Emma learned about "the ball dropping." She seemed fascinated by the idea and asked multiple times in the days leading up to New Year's if she could stay up to watch the ball drop on TV on New Year's night. I finally consented. (What Mom of a 6 year old DOESN'T let her child stay up until midnight the weekend before they return to school after winter break, right??) ;)

We stayed up watching movies, cuddled under a big blanket with our comfy PJ's on. At 11:30 we turned on the New Year's Rockin' Eve show. Still cozy...still cuddling. Still celebrating family togetherness.

The countdown occurred. The ball dropped....the confetti fell...the people on TV kissed (earning "eeeewwwws" from Emma.) All of the above was "perfect," but more was to come.

Just after midnight, neighbors down the street from us started shooting off fireworks. Emma and I grabbed slippers and went outside in our PJs, coats, and wrapped in blankets. We sat in our yard and watched the fireworks (nice show---lasted about 10 minutes!) During the fireworks, Em turned to me and said, "Aren't they beautiful, Mama?" My heart melted....my little girl doesn't call me "Mama" much anymore. The older she gets "Mommy" and "Mom" are the social norm. But when she was sleepy and happy and lost in the moment, it made a perfect moment for me.

(To read about other "perfect moments," check out Lori's blog at Write Mind, Open Heart.)

Perfect Moment Monday---Date Night

To those who alleged that the Melting Pot would fondue all my worries away....you were SO right!

My "Perfect Moment" from the last week was enjoying a date night with DH. We haven't had a date night/overnight away from Emma since last spring when we went out for our birthdays. But last Saturday, Em spent the night with her friend, which gave DH and I time to....

Enjoy our first ever visit to the Melting Pot!

Course One: Cheese fondue with veggies, apples, and bread for dipping. Yum!

Course Two: Salad. The sweet & tangy house dressing was divine!

Course Three: Oil/wine/garlic base to dip our meat dishes: chicken, prime rib, shrimp, and brats. SO good!

Course Four: Worth the cost of dinner all on it's own...seriously, it was THAT good. We chose the milk chocolate with peanut butter dipping sauce. We dipped strawberries, bananas, brownie bits, marshmallows, cheesecake bits, and poundcake bites. HOLY DELICIOUS YUMMINESS!

I also enjoyed a mango margarita. Yum! Definite two thumbs up.

However, though the food and beverages were divine, they weren't the best part of date night.
The best part was partaking in a slow, leisurely meal with DH. No interruptions to cut up food, no menu coloring, diversions, or "I Spy" while we waited for our food to be served. I forgot what it's like to have a nice meal sans Emma. The meal took just over 2 hours...we had enjoyable ADULT conversation the entire time.

Date nights are gentle reminders as to why I chose DH as my partner for the long-haul of life... His patience is something I witness each day. His wit and humor still crack me up after nearly 15 years together.

Yes date night...definitely perfect moment worthy.

To see other blogger's Perfect Moments, check out Lori's blog at: Weebles Wobblog.

Perfect Moment Monday--I Love You

DH and I learned last year that Em does best behaviorally in the morning-time, if we all leave the house together at the same time. (DH always drops Em off at pre-school/daycare and I pick her up in the afternoons.)

We've gotten our morning routine down to a science. We load up our separate cars and then DH and Em follow me as we drive a few blocks to merge onto the highway. After a few miles of driving, I slow up as DH turns off at the exit for Em's school. This enables us to have a few moments of "waving" time each day. I always wave and then end with the sign language "I love you" sign...

I have fond memories of using the "I love you" symbol with my family when I was growing up. I remember being in a school concert in 3rd grade. As I stood on the risers with my classmates, I scanned the audience until I found my parents. My Mom discretely held up an "I love you" hand. I was tickled pink!

The Christmas I was in 5th grade, I was in the hospital for 2 days due to an infection in my stomach lining. (Bleck!) My sisters made a huge posterboard card for me. As my younger sister, was too young for visiting hours, they stood outside the hospital window and waved the card at me. I remember my 6 year old sister, Laurel holding the giant card so I could see her "get well" and Christmas wishes. At the end of her card holding, she put the card down and held up an "I love you" hand. I can still visualize her tiny body wrapped in a large pink coat. I can see her pink and purple gloved hands...
(FYI---the hospital staff had mercy for us since it was Christmas. They allowed her in to visit even though she was under the age limit.)

The "I love yous" have continued into adult hood. I still get teary thinking about my parents and Laurel standing on the porch waving good-bye and "I love you" to DH and I when we left their house after our first vacation/visit from Florida to Ohio.

Today my daughter joined in the trend...
As she and DH drove onto the exit ramp we had our usual good-bye waving. But this time, before I held up my daily "I love you sign," my little girl held up her own "I love you" for me.
What a perfect moment!




To read about other perfect moments, check out Weebles Wobblog HERE.

Perfect Moment Monday

I'm home today with Emma, as she had a fever of 101.5 this morning. We're resting the day away, as we were unable to get a doctor's appointment for her until 4 p.m. (Which I'm assuming means we'll be home tomorrow as well, as she'll probably have antibiotics prescribed and they'll need to be in her system for 24 hours before she returns to school.)

This morning we've watched TV, cuddled in my bed, and hung out. A little while ago I asked Em if she'd like me to read to her. She responded, "Yes, but can I sit on your lap?" My sweet girl...newly turned 5...where has the time gone? YES you can sit in my lap! Let's savor it while you're still small enough to fit on my lap. All too soon you'll be sitting BESIDE me when we read. And then you'll be reading independently and won't have much reading time with dear ole' mom anymore.

This was a "perfect moment," for two reasons. First, because I cherish time with my sweet girl. And second, because I love that cuddles from Mommy still help Em to feel better. Sighs.

To read about other bloggers Perfect Moments, click HERE.