happy place

I want to show you a picture of each member of the family in his or her respective happy place in Mexico. Starting with me, enjoying that impossible blue of the Caribbean.

Sam, always happy when scouting out a good deal, like this Chichenitza hat.Maia, who could usually be found in or near the hot tub, with a mango smoothie in her hand.


Mike, who craves adventure, is in his happy place mid-air. He is jumping into a cenote, or sink hole.

Sydney set down Harry Potter VII only to eat. Pictured here with her personal highlight, a fruit cocktail with lime sorbet.

Berkeley was happiest exploring and soaking up the history of the region. But he sure didn't mind relaxing in the sun as well.

We each found a happy place in Mexico, but we're happy to be home. Kind of.

I'll post more about it later.
Hope you are all enjoying winter break as much as we are!

apple fritter pancake

The other day I woke to the delicate chimes of a silver christmas bell outside my door. There was no school, so naturally the kids woke early and I slept late. Sam stood holding the tantalizing creation you see above. Just for me! Invented by him!

I had him make another one so I could document the steps.

#1 peel and thinly slice apples.

#2 make your favorite pancake batter from scratch,
except substitute EGG NOG for milk

#3 place a layer of apples on a hot pan

#4 pour on a layer of egg nog batter

#5 top with another layer of apples

#6 cover for a few minutes

#7 flip carefully and cook through

Serve with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, and freezer raspberry jam.

Way to spread some Christmas cheer, Sam!

that's just not natural

I am laying in bed sick today, catching up on "The Week," a favorite news magazine. They have a little piece on how monogamy is not really a natural part of our human makeup. Apparently, we aren't programmed to want to be with the same person day after day, week after week. Well, good job science, but I think that theory has been around for years.

The great part of the little article though, is the point that there are lots of things that feel natural that are not good for you, like eating bacon and smoking pot. And lots of things that are intensely difficult, like running a marathon, or staying married, that can only happen when we master our natural inclinations, subdue our natural self and commit. I am thankful for parents who have stuck it out, and now reap the benefits of loving companionship in their golden years. And I'm thankful for a husband who loves me after 17 years, even though it's not natural.