The End of an Era

For the last four years, Monday nights from September to May have been marked by Daddy's departure for BSF. I would like to say that I have treasured these evenings with just the boys and me. This would be a lie. I am a stay-at-home mom who home schools. After all day with my boys, I don't really enjoy evenings without my husband; however, I have been more than willing to release Erik to both attend and serve in BSF. The benefits FAR outweigh the cost, but that is another post. I digress.

Tonight is Share Night at Erik's BSF class. On the last evening of the year, they eat spaghetti and share how God has impacted their lives through the study that past year. It's pretty amazing. As I was pondering what to do for dinner tonight, I realized this will be the very last Monday night I spend with the boys while Erik is at BSF. Next year, Luke will attend with Erik, leaving just Paul and I at home each Monday. I decided we needed to celebrate with a special dinner the boys will never forget.

What would mark such an important occasion? Prime rib? Didn't have it and the boys wouldn't touch it. Waffles? Daddy makes those and we just had them for Mother's Day. Then an idea of epic proportions struck me. When dinner time came, I explained to the boys the uniqueness of our evening and told them my idea.

I opened the pantry and said, "Pick whatever you want and we will eat it."

They both looked at me like I couldn't possibly be their mother.

"Anything?" asked Luke.

"Yep. The fridge is also fair game. You pick it. I'll stick it." (Okay, I didn't say that, but you get the idea.)

Paul's eyes grew wide. Reaching for the appropriate box he squealed, "Chocolate pudding!"

"Absolutely," I said.

Luke, beginning to get the idea, "Animal crackers?"

"Sure!"

When all was said and done, the following items were on the counter ready for preparation:

Chocolate Pudding

Popcorn

Animal Crackers

String Cheese

Strawberries

Hot Chocolate

Cold Milk

Cereal

It was a feast to be remembered. It will go down in history as the night Mommy fed them chocolate pudding first. Mission accomplished.

I have no pictures of the above event. I was too busy filling bowls and making the next course. I do, however, have pictures from this past weekend, when the boys attended National Train Day with Grandma and Oma. Good times.

The boys and Oma ready to go!

Luke on board one of the special trains they bring in for the day. I can't remember the history behind this one, but it's super fancy and from the previous century.

Paul's concept of heaven. Luke is also pretty happy.

I'm told Paul ran right up to this Tiger and gave him a hug. Too cute!

They finished the morning by enjoying lunch at the mall. Paul ate his first corn dog. This was his spontaneous reaction to the first bite. He reminds me of an athlete who has just won the championship. YES!