Dinner Time

Some of the others habits we've got going on surround dinner time. In fact, from about 5:30 on, our evenings are as predictable as Monday mornings coming after Sunday evenings. There are a few 'musts' that happen during dinner and if either one of us forgets, E is always there to remind us.

{music fingers}

One of which being Pandora. We will typically play music from the time final dinner touches are being made, table is being set...all the way until Papa and E go into his room for prayers, reading, and getting into bed. For dinner, we play our "Jesus Music" or "Children's Jesus Music" stations depending on our moods. Caedmon's Call, Chris Rice, and Chris Tomlin make great dinner company. And we've since discovered this guy named Justin Roberts who does great, silly renditions of Bible stories for kids. A bit too catchy if you ask us though, because you'll hear us singing phrases throughout the day. We also love playing "Walt Disney Soundtracks" post-meal, pre-bed--think Mary Poppins, Lion King, Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beauty...we happen to like the classics. Or maybe we're just able to get away with being old school still since our kid isn't old enough to watch movies yet.

The other habit we have for dinner time is reading through this mini book set. I cannot for the life of me remember who gave us this set at E's shower, but we are happily putting it to good use.

W will read through a story while we eat and E loves it. And they are small enough to sit on the cabinet next to our dinner table.

What are some dinner rhythms that are specific to you, either from growing up or with your families now? I'm always curious to learn how others do it because it's such an important time and can be so different, depending on each family's needs.

"Inspriring the Next Generation"

Happy Friday!!

Singing To The Christmas Music

Yes, I have a slight addiction. Confession is the first step. But I fulfill my hubby's wishes and refrain completely until the Thanksgiving feast is over. Then the flood gates of musical notes, bells, and comforting lyrics pour forth....pretty much non-stop.

Since W's got an iPhone now, we are pretty much listening to Pandora 24/7 around the house. I don't think there is one classic song of this fabulous holiday that I don't love. I also have a playlist mix that I've gathered on my iPod over the years that has some more modern takes. Some of my non-traditonal favorites of the moment...

Definitely a different take on the classical songs and not everyone who loves Jars will love this. But the sound is just so mellow and smooth...and thoughtful. "Hibernation Day"is a great place to start.

K, "Winter Song" by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson is just pure beauty even if a bit sad. It's the only song I bought off this album {although Colbie Caillat has a sweet song on there too.} And I could seriously listen to it over and over and over again. It's just melody perfection. Gives me chills every time.

  Last year, amazon and itunes were giving away free music. The Christmas sampler from iTunes had a few gems in it that I was overjoyed to discover. One of which was Meaghan Smith's "It Snowed". So sweet. And her voice is butter. Pure butter.

Getting my full month's worth of Christmas music already!!

Drank a Little Drank, Smoke a Little Smoke

Last week, Linds and I split out on our responsible day jobs to head to the Greek Theatre in Berkeley to see Jack Johnson. Love his mellow music beyond words. The last time I saw him live was in San Diego in 2005 with a then boyfriend. {Still have that shirt he bought me, only thing I ever kept from an ex...just couldn't part with Jack} This time the only gentleman that was with us was Flat Stanley.

The Greek is an amazing venue! I loved it! Very intimate. With general admission, we came early to get some great seating. We brought butt-pads and a blanket.

Our drank a little drank: wild Linds snuck some shooters in. Must confess, first time with shooters. I discovered I love Malibu with Coke. I'm such a light weight and only could handle one. I'm lame, I know. I already get made fun of. :)

We both felt like we were in college again. Well, Linds did. I don't have any good juicy stories besides the small handful of frat parties I went to as a date during my freshman year.

Totally interesting side note. While waiting for the opening artists, this came up:

"Help us make this tour carbon neutral. purchase your Jack Johnson To The Sea Carbon Offset Sticker."

How is consuming another item, an offset sticker, make the tour carbon neutral?! I  still breathed out carbon during the concert. Can someone explain this?

First up was Zee Avi. 

Oh.My.Word. This girl, who's only 23 by the way, is simply phenomenal. Think Colby Caillat meets Norah Jones. 

Followed by ALO, who opened with Matt Costa {love his music too!} in 2005.

Jack!! Love him.

And man, was he awesome.

I was glad he played a lot of his old songs. I haven't been following him for awhile so I'm not familiar with his new stuff. And as far as the smoking, well...there was plenty of hash to go around us. And here I confess again: my first experience of seeing people smoke pot. A lot of firsts this night. :) Linds's boyfriend made a big deal when we were in line to eat something. We kept laughing at him, but he was on to something. Caught a puff in action. 

Oh, we did some gambling too: parking in Berkeley without a permit. Even with an hour and a half left before we were actually free to park there, we got off without a ticket. Probably helped that we were several blocks from campus. Definitely worked up a sweat walking through campus to get to the venue.

Such a wonderful girls' afternoon/night. We booked these tickets back in March when Ezra was only 3 months old. It felt like eons before October would come, but here it is already! Both my boys were sound asleep when I climbed into bed. W was so kind to put E down a bit later so I could sleep in the next morning. Definitely don't love Jack even close to how much I love William.