Time With Charlie

A few weeks ago, while I was researching different classes and

experiences I could give the kids, I came across a mommy and me cooking class.

Right away, I knew it would be something that Charlie would really enjoy.

The only hesitation was that the class fell on Mother's Day.

I felt guilty going only with Charlie and leaving the girls behind...

But it was only a short amount of time and the girl's could spend some

quality time with their dad while I got to slip away with my baby boy.

So on my day, Charlie and I got the gift of spending a few hours alone together.

It was fitting and kind of perfect because 7 years ago, on my very first

Mother's Day as a mom, I brought him home from having been in the hospital

for a month. It was one of the best days of my life.

I savored each second of my time with my now 7 year old boy.

I admired his freckles, marveled at his dough kneading abilities,

told him how strong he was for cranking the pasta machine for so long

and so efficiently, and I told him that the meal he helped to make

was one of the best things I'd ever tasted...

I also loved that Charlie was there with me when I crossed another

thing I wanted to do off of my bucket list.

Charlie loved being a chef. He (for now, at least) has decided

that this is what he wants to do when he grows up... He even named his restaurant already.

I'm still pushing for him to be a doctor though... we'll see. Ha ha...

We made a Waldorf salad, homemade butternut

squash ravioli in a butter, sage, and hazelnut sauce...

and for dessert, a fruit tart with pastry cream and fresh fruit.

Charlie's favorite part was making the pasta.

Our teacher, Lisa...

He cut all the vegetables and fruit himself.

Our finished product...

Me and my boy...

My cards from the kids...

I had a big, special Mother's Day post all planned out, had my mom answer all

kinds of questions about herself that I wanted to know the answers to but had

never thought to ask. I even answered all the questions myself so that my girls

would have the gift of knowing those special things about me and their grandma.

But as life would have it, I ran out of time.

I am in the middle of finishing my kids' school yearbook

and it's taken up a great deal of my time and energy.

Maybe someday...

We ended the day with a much needed family dinner.

It's always nice to get the family together and laugh.

I am glad for summer time because I plan on doing this often.

I hope that your day was filled with love and many special moments...