A Little Something Sweet

    It all started because I didn't feel like cooking dinner. Last Sunday, Jon, Jake, and I sat in the den for hours searching for college scholarships that Jake might qualify for - the final push in a lengthy application process. After searching lists and lists that read something like "527 matching results, 45 pages", he found three additional scholarships. Before we knew it, hours had passed, and we all felt stir crazy and mind-numb! 

We grabbed our 13-year-old Sam from wherever he had relegated himself in the house to stay far away from the scholarship process and headed for some much-needed burgers and fries. This night happened to be the night of the super blood wolf moon. While at dinner, we discussed what we should do between then and this fascinating natural occurrence to keep ourselves awake. Someone suggested games, and then Jake suggested that we buy Settlers of Catan. So off we went to purchase the new game. The first place was sold-out, so we hit a second store all the while laughing and chatting and generally having a good time. Once home, we started playing games, periodically bundling up and running outside to observe the moon's progress.  Somewhere along the way, the boys decided they wanted to make brownies-in-a-mug. Everyone moved to the kitchen where Sam was the chef and Jake the sous chef. The next thing we knew the time had flown by, the moon was in total eclipse, and everyone was feeling joyful.
    These sweet boys of mine have friends and activities, a driver's license and… so many things that take them away from home. As they should- it's part of what should be happening at this point in their lives, but nights like this one remind me that this is still home base, the place they can always return. Sometimes, I find myself wishing for those sweet days when they were tiny, and I could hold them in my arms and make everything alright with some gentle words, but they are right where they are supposed to be in their lives. Nothing about this night was over the top, but it was just the "little something sweet" that I needed. I love watching them grow and become who they are, and I love times like this when we all gather together and find joy in being together. 
           
                Wishing you a week filled with sweetness!

                                 Emily

To help you add some sweetness, I've included a recipe for Chai Spiced Shortbread with Vanilla Bean Glaze. Look for a new "little something sweet" featured every month. ​

​ Chai-Spiced Shortbread with Vanilla   Bean Glaze
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copyright 2019 Emily Haygood, all rights reserved