The little things...

When Mark and I venture out for date night, which we try to do at least once a week for sanity's sake, we always return with a "surprise" for the girls. It is an unnecessary form of bribery that helps remind Cora to behave for the sitter (usually one of my siblings). It is a tradition we never should have started, but that Mark and I enjoy now probably more than the girls do. We get our alone time and then get to return home to eagerly awaiting children, and their anticipation is priceless. The "surprise" is usually a small toy or trinket we pick up at the grocery store, but I learned recently it is less about the item's value and more about the suspense that makes the surprise so important.

One evening, Mark and I returned home from a nice dinner out. We had savored the adult conversation as much as the meal, and cherished the momentary pause from the chaos that waited at home. We opened the door only to be tackled by Cora, who was wired with excitement (so perhaps the reasoning behind the "surprise" was backfiring. Note to self: ask sisters if this is the case). It was then we realized we forgot the ever important surprise. I began doing a mental inventory of my purse. Would a breath mint cut it? What about a "surprise" application of mommy's lip gloss? We were screwed. I was about to fess up and was dreading the look of disappointment on Cora's face when I saw it; a shiny quarter calling out to me from the bottom of my purse.

I handed Cora the makeshift "surprise" and watched as she accepted it, believing this gift had been hand selected just for her. She squealed with delight and darted straight to her gum ball machine. Apparently this gift, the one we had painstakingly picked out, was two-fold. As she cranked the knob and watched in amazement as the gumball began its tumble toward her, she confessed, "This is the BEST surprise ever."

Since that time, Cora's surprises have ranged from an Olive Garden mint to a "coloring book" (kids menu) and crayons, and the response is the same regardless. Utter happiness brought on by a set of miniature swords (aka. chopsticks), is a good reminder that very often less is more. If only I could adopt that philosophy.

I personally have a taste for the finer things in life. For instance, once I sampled the rich flavor of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, I have never gone back to the knock-off Western Family brand. Oh yes, I will cough up the extra 50 cents and not have an ounce of buyer's remorse. I know, I know. Lavish habits die hard.

So speaking of the finer things in life, we had a little Super Bowl gathering with some of our good friends. I haven't posted pictures in a while so here are a few taken at the party.

Cora and her little buddy Marcus. Kind of adorable aren't they?

Me and the hubby.

I gave up trying to get all of the kids to look at the camera and smile.....

and decided to just focus on their feet. I couldn't resist. This picture was just too cute not to take.

Me, Stefanie and Joey. I'm fairly certain if you ask any of us the score of the game, or even who was playing we might have a problem coming up w/ the correct answer. But we had a great time doing two of my favorite things: socializing and eating!

This last picture was from earlier in the day, but I had to include it because Claire never leaves a hat on. This picture captures a rare, and adorable, moment!