{lesser} loves and {smaller} pursuits

Having a birthday on New Year's Eve is a mixed bag. Of course, it's close to Christmas and after Christmas, at that, when everyone is tired and busy and usually still absent, traveling. It is always more difficult to find sitters, more expensive to eat out, and a bit overrated at the thought of staying up until midnight in order to kiss your neighbor (or in my case - the husband) and bring in yet another year.

One of the benefits though, for me, is that each birthday brings a pause in my year for reflection. Not only do I reflect on the past birthday year, but it is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the past calendar year as well. For most, those are not the same, but for me it is, and therefore even more reason to pause.

2009 was a downer. In so many ways it gets the 'most difficult year' award for me. Why? You can either request my mom's Christmas card letter which completely explains it in detail or you can go back and read some old posts - in all of your down time. Year 2010, though, was so full of sweet provision. It was a good year. Still many trials - some that I am still processing through and mourning the deaths of in my heart, but overall...so sweet.

The past few months have been full of visits with dear friends from past and present. During visits I always get the question, "How are you?", quickly followed by, "When are you going to move?"

I used to cry or perhaps say a quick response like "I don't know" in that bitter or even angry tone that I had mastered so perfectly. I had about six years to perfect that answer and tone to convey the most accurate amount of discontentment in my heart. Depending on how close we were, I might have even blamed it on my husband for why we were still here in New York but in my heart I really was angry towards God and why He had not allowed things to go my way.

So pitiful. But, true.

This year when I got those questions, I just grinned and said, "You know, I think we are planting roots here indefinitely." I don't know what that means. I just know that God has graciously changed my heart to not long for anything beyond the City. He has given me a love for it's people even though it is an unlovely City to me most days. Those prayers for a vision here have been answered. I still don't know fully what that looks like but the vision is still there.

My friends want to know what has changed. The answer is that nothing in my daily life has really changed. Struggles are still struggles. Frustrations are still frustrations. Desires are still desires. Discontentment is still discontentment. Sin is still sin. I have just learned that the only real rest available to me is in total and complete TRUST in God and in His plan for our lives. I had been fighting the past six years. Really fighting. If not in my actions - in my heart. Deep down in my heart. Turmoil. A tug of war of sorts, between what I knew God was calling us to, as a family - what He was calling me to as a wife and mother - and what I really wanted.

The turning point for me was that trip I took back in March. I retreated alone to CT, about seven months pregnant, to a bed and breakfast for a meeting with God. (You think that was awkward...picture me showing up to breakfast each morning alone and pregnant!) I prayed and fully expected and desired to meet with God face to face, heart to heart - with all of the realness and rawness and ugliness in my heart. I cried out to Him. I prayed David's (not my husband) words in the Psalms. I really cried out to Him. I pleaded with God, that if there was any other way for Him to accomplish His purposes in my life and it not involve New York City, to please allow us a way out. I wrestled with Him in prayer, in journaling, and I wept as I confessed all of the sin and ugliness and the doubts that invaded the places in my heart that He desired to occupy. I found true repentance on that trip. I do feel that the Lord graciously met me there. Through each tear, He reminded me of His goodness. Through each outburst of rage and anger,

He reminded me to turn my gaze upward and focus on praise instead. Through each question, He did not give me answers, but rather examples of His character - His steadfast love, His unending grace, His compassionate mercy, and His true desire for our good. My trip of anger turned into a trip of Praise.

On my drive back into the City, my trip concluded with me going out to a beach (in February, mind you) in my puffy coat and knee high boots and just singing praise songs. I stared out at the ocean and knew that a Creator who created something so majestically beautiful and unending would not withhold His best from me - and I could TRUST Him. Through tears - there was a new beginning of learning to trust.

As I sit on New Year's Eve (and my birthday) and reflect on this past year, I have never been so thankful to just be free. Free to rest and to trust in God. I see through each trial and each "letting go" I really wasn't trusting Him before. I still have my moments, don't get me wrong. But, there is an overwhelming difference in my heart and I am thankful as I enter into 2011, I can say - God has been so faithful to provide and to show me time and time again that a life leveraged fully for Him is more full than any life I could imagine otherwise.

So, call them resolutions or prayers, but I pray that this new year is a fruitful year not defined by lesser loves and smaller pursuits but more defined by a consistent intentionality to know God better than I do today. As JR shared last night - my year will be defined by how I respond to that God that I get to know more deeply. Some of those responses will feel painful or lonely. Some will feel freeing and right. Some will feel downright impossible at times, I am sure. But, I am thankful that I can look back to the past seven years and all that has been "let go" and all that has been "gained" and I can look forward to the next year with anticipation and excitement and really, honestly, complete peace and...there's that word again, TRUST. Thank you, God.

Here's to 2011.

{twelve} thoughts a spinnin'...

12. Our refrigerator is back and running after five days. I will never take a place to store leftovers, baby food, fresh dairy items, and cold water for granted again.

11. Amelia Bedelia and the Baby is evidently going to be the newest addition to our personal library. Missing library book. Ugh. Don't know how that happened. Really?

10. The past few weeks have been some "difficult friend" weeks for me. Insecurity has crept in. Tears have fallen regularly. Loneliness rears it's ugly head. Doubts invade. Questions swirl. I feel like I'm in 8th grade again. Hate that. Then I read in my devotion this morning by Piper, "If your driving motive in life is to be liked and loved, you will find it almost impossible to be a Christian..." Deep breathe.

9. I need a new winter hat. I feel a bit outdated in that I am wearing a coat I've had for four years and a hat I've had for at least 8. I still enjoy them. Just feel I need a bit of an update.

8. Mother of the Year moment this week: Fed daughter milk from refrigerator (see #12) on day #2. Take daughter to get hair cut a few hours later. Daughter throws up everywhere in salon five times. Mother encourages daughter to stay and get hair cut realizing she is not sick but drank bad milk that morning and just spent an hour trying to get two kids out the door in their winter garb, walked three blocks and actually managed to pry stroller through the door without knocking anything or anyone over. I know, and... she did.

7. Going out tomorrow night for a friend's birthday to a new Vegan place. It's the second Vegan restaurant I've been to this month. Strange but fun and different for me. Make me feel healthy just typing it.

6. I love that in NY you can just send out your laundry with pick-up and delivery. You know when you are a stay-at-home mother of two with no laundry in your unit and you can't drag your two kids and all of the clothes down to the basement all day. Oh, and especially when there is throw up on everything. (see #8)

5. I am loving Earl Grey Lattes at Starbucks right now (thanks to Kimber). Loving them. Obsessing really.

4. I loved our Community Group discussion last night on Matthew 25 - Parable of the Talents. Someone pointed out the focus should be on more on knowing the Master and allowing that knowledge to shape how we steward our resources. In other words - watch how someone uses their time, money, or gifts and you will see how well they know their master. Brilliant and convicting.

3. Had a mom at Kate's gymnastics class ask me today if I was Mormon. She said all of her friends that she knows who homeschool are Mormon. I said, "Oh no, I am a Christian. I believe in Jesus." Then she said, "Well, I am Mormon which is also why I'm asking." Right. Walk away. Quickly. Run. Maybe that's why I have friend issues? (see #10)

2. Christmas tree stands and those round light bulb strands hanging overhead make me happy. Makes me feel like I'm walking through one of those winter wonderland villages people put up for decoration.

1. I just went to the gym. Now I am STARVING. Why does it have to work that way? Can't win.

change of {cards}

We went with the email card this year.

Yes, it's great for the environment and more time-efficient. Yes, it's even more cost-effective for that annual budget line item. All of those are great things. I must say though, I am a big fan of real cards. I get so excited to get them in the mail and hang them all up proudly in our foyer. I get excited planning and designing and sending out cards each year. And, there really is nothing wrong with that. My heart was a bit torn this year though. The Spirit kept inclining my heart to change things up a bit this year and affirmed it even more this weekend.

This crazy (for me) thought first came when I received the World Vision magazine in the mail. I have never been that mom that says, "You better eat up because there are starving kids in the world." Although there are and we should be constantly aware and responsive. I wasn't raised doing a community service project every week. Although I did do some. I really must admit that we even give to certain organizations that we are passionate about, like Love 146, working to end child sex slavery. But, most of our giving isn't really that sacrificial. We are able to give, but I still enjoy my Starbucks when I'm in the mood. I give but still go buy what I need when I need it. I know that is a blessing. I know that we are in the elite 1-2% of the World in terms of wealth - and we aren't even that wealthy according to American standards. I even cried last

week because of our budget this month trying to figure out how to cut back even more going into the New Year. Sadly.

I know things but I don't feel it really settles in my heart and in my daily actions as much as it needs to or I would like it to. But, when I received the World Vision magazine and I realize I can send a girl to school for less than I usually pay for Christmas cards. I could buy a sheep and goat for a family that can provide milk and cheese and wool for children ongoing. We will. I saw tangibly (as if for the first time) everything has a price tag. Everything. I will be held accountable for those price tags and the ones I choose to pursue. Breathe.

Then we went to visit some friends of ours this weekend. A dear family with three kids in our community group who live up in the Bronx. They have been in our group for two years and embarrassingly, this was the first time we actually made the effort to visit them in their home. The Bronx is known to be a rough area. An area I would not normally go on my own, especially with my kids to visit. They invited us over for dinner on Friday and we went. It was a lovely and sweet time. The husband escorted us from the subway to their apartment nestled in government subsidized buildings. My first time in a complex that is very familiar all over the City. It's hard when you feel very much like the minority. We had our kids. At first I was apprehensive about it but later I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I want our children to be very familiar with all roads, especially those around where we live.

We stepped into the apartment and though the couple felt like they needed to apologize for the appearance and the condition of their place, David and I just smiled with so much joy that we were there with them. Sharing a meal. Sitting and talking as if we lived similar lives. We don't. We both knew it. But we both realized that the love of the Lord was connecting us in a way that it just didn't matter. Our kids played together. We shared stories and laughed. It was sweet.

They didn't have one Christmas decoration up. No tree. No presents. Just wasn't financially possible this year. It settled in my heart Friday night. I got it. I felt it. The fact that I have spent even the past few weeks decorating for Christmas in my own home and making sure things were just right - set heavy in my gut. I smiled but really I was fighting back tears. Just wanting to cry out with repentance at my entitled heart.

We left and I wanted to come right home and sell everything and just give it away. I knew I wouldn't but I wanted to start in a small way. Doing something small, sacrificial (for me) and simple.

As if that wasn't enough... yesterday, I volunteered with our church to serve up in the Bronx an event called His Toy Store. Our church has participated every year for five or six years and I have gone in years past. This year it was different for me. I don't know why. The Spirit has just not let up on me, thankfully. It's an event where less fortunate families are able to come and shop for their children - new toys that have been bought and donated. I was a personal shopper this year. Walking each mother and father around and helping them pick out the perfect gift for their little blessings. Each one had a story. A personality. A look in their eyes that I will never forget.

The mother with 5 children under the age of 7, including twin 6 month old boys. The father with 3 children that he couldn't talk about without tearing up for not being able to provide for them in the way he desires. The woman that made the biggest impression was one who was over-the-top grateful and you could just see it all over her face. She kept saying thank you over and over. I asked her if this season was a joyful time for her or a difficult time. She looked down. She explained how she had just moved with her kids to start a better life. She had just started going to church two weeks prior and she said joyfully through tears how God has answered her prayers already. She said she wasn't sure how she was going to make it through Christmas. She has a 4 and a 5 year old little boy. Her brother had come in unexpectedly the day before and given her some money to buy a little tree. She said the boys loved decorating it but kept asking her why they didn't have any presents. The mother said - she answered hesitantly that Santa would bring them, although knowing that she wasn't sure if they would have anything. Then she had received this invitation to come and "shop" for the kids for free. She said with big joyful tears, "God is answering my prayers." I have something to give my kids now.

Her children will each have one gift under that tree - on Christmas Day - thanks to the gracious gifts of many. I immediately thought about the 15 gifts that already sit under mine. Gulp. I encouraged her to use that as an opportunity to tell them - that it isn't just 'Santa' who provided the gifts but the gracious and steadfastly loving Heavenly Father. Tears.

It's not about feeling guilty, but I knew I needed to sit and ask myself what the Lord was asking of me and our family in terms of our stewardship. For me, this year, it was letting go of the Christmas card and all it represented for me. For me. There are more things I am praying about letting go of in my life. Some larger. Some smaller.

This season and this new year, I pray is one that is defined by sacrificial generosity. It's scary. It's not the same for everyone. But, it's necessary. It's commanded. It's a change for me.

So, we hope you enjoy our Christmas card this year. It's on email but much thought and much prayer went into it. Our family does genuinely wish you all a very Merry Christmas and I pray we all remain grateful for the gracious gift of our Savior.

give {thanks}

Every Thanksgiving we are able to stay in the City, we make it to the parade. It is just one of those quintessential New York moments for me and I am GIDDY every time I am standing there waiting for that first band and those first Macy's star balloons to welcome in another parade year. Oh yeah, and it's fun for the kids too.

We wake up and head out around 6:45am (not caring what we look like obviously), grab breakfast sandwiches and coffee, make our way to Central Park West by walking straight across the park from where we live.

Even the walk over has become a treat - the park is such a haven for us City folks and there is always beautiful fall foliage. Each person trekking with us are bundled in their winter best to protect from the holiday chill in the air.

I LOVE this picture below. The children all nestled in their windows - still in their PJ's and peering down with great expectation as the parade begins. Is that not the cutest picture? So Miracle on 34th street to me. Grin.

Kate was super into it this year. Her favorites were the Sesame Street float, the Dora float, Tom the Turkey, and of course - Santa!

Then we head back across the park to prepare a Thanksgiving meal for family and friends. This year, we had the privilege of hosting 16 people in our apartment.

A first Thanksgiving that I've actually had a kitchen table and one that we could fit all of the adults at - a blessing for me. Not necessary, but something I so appreciate. It's the little things, isn't it? It was quite a memory and a sweet holiday full of much thanks!

That's the New York City Thanksgiving tradition these days.

Welcome, Advent season.

Come, Lord Jesus. Come.

{five} months

Disclaimer: Yes, Wesley James is already six months, but a momma's got to document a few milestones, doncha know.

{five} months:

"W" has been such an overwhelmingly sweet addition to our family. Such a joy as a baby and totally chill. He loves to just sit and watch his sister play. He loves making eye contact with anyone who passes by or enters our home. He is full of smiles (that melt a mommy's heart) and giggles (especially at his sister).

During his fifth month we celebrated W starting to roll over and receiving his first two bottom teeth! Those top ones are about to pop through any day so he can literally wish for his two front teeth this Christmas. :)

A month ago we started solids and this boy cannot get enough food (think he fits in our family just fine). These stages pass so quickly - what a joy to celebrate each and every milestone.

Kate has been an extraordinary big sister. If Wesley starts to cry, she will immediately go over and start singing "Twinkle Twinkle" or "Jesus Loves Me" to soothe him. She loves to help and loves to hold him on the couch each morning to welcome him into a brand new day. More recently she has started wanting to feed him. I love it. Bring it on, I say!

planes, {minivans} and taxis

We just returned home from a week long road trip across Oklahoma and Arkansas. I didn't know what to expect with two kids and four different locations, but it will always be one of our most memorable trips because of the friends visited and family memories made.

Destination 1: Oklahoma

Who: Kimber-Leigh & Family

Duration: 1 night

Favorite memories: watching our children play together and giggle incessantly, sitting down for a family dinner around her lovely dining room table and sharing life, staying up until 3am with just us girls, making THE FAMOUS Alice's pumpkin scones together :)

Destination 2: Oklahoma

Who: The Roses and Shannon & Family

Duration: 2 nights

Favorite memories: feeling like family with the Roses once again, encouraging and refreshing conversation over mealtime and into the evening, laughing and reminiscing, coffee time with shannon, hobby lobby shopping with katy, chili dinner with two of my dearest and special friends and their families, pics in the street, feeling so full and thankful for God's provision in Norman, OK

Destination: Arkansas

Who: Stephanie & David; Rhett & girlfriend, Amber; Mom and Dad

Duration: 3 nights

Favorite Memories: laughing and laughing and laughing some more over old memories and new stories; an early Thanksgiving (complete with a delicious meal) that felt just like home, standing on the field while honoring Rhett at his Senior game; watching Rhett sign the wall of "Razorback" room in the house where we stayed; watching family movies and being embarrassed, playing games, watching my kids love on and enjoy being altogether.

Destination: Oklahoma

Who: David's Aunt Ann & Uncle David, Cousin Wes, Grandmother & Papa Doak

Duration: 1 night

Favorite Memories: Just being with family we don't get to see often, good BBQ, discussions on the movie being filmed in their town, watching Kate wrestle with Papa Doak, Aunt Ann and Kate "playing/singing" Mary Poppins and Grandmother (90) playing with her great-grandchildren.

SO thankful for all of our new memories!

a {life-giving} home

Almost three weeks ago (already?!), on Monday evening, I had the most humbling privilege of sitting in a friend's living room with a remarkable author and woman and mother, Sally Clarkson, along with about 20 other like-minded women.

It was a perfectly intimate gathering: intimate in number and in discussion. A treat of sorts - one that I wish I could save and delight in regularly, but I suppose it's in the rarity of such an event that makes it a treat after all.

We gathered in a sweet friend's lovely life-giving home and enjoyed actual Fall "treats" as well.

Many have asked about our time together. It was such a rich time that brought nourishment to my soul. I literally felt like I was a young child listening to 'The Night Before Christmas' in that hang-on-every-word sort of feeling while Sally talked to us. She was so real and it helped me to put in perspective the various seasons of a mother's heart, while hearing her talk about her own grown children going to college or starting their families.

She encouraged us to use 'GIFTS' as a road map for each day with our children. I also feel like it's a great reminder for our marriages and other relationships.

G-Grace: How can I show them gracious love?

I -Inspiration: Our children (We all) long for something greater than themselves. God has something unique for each person.

F-Foundation of Faith: Your children will watch your life and see whether you live by faith. Faith is not doing everything right, but it's teaching them God does.

T-Teaching: Day in/ Day out instruction; Manners; Internal/External

S- Service: Your children need to practice the act of service alongside of you.

A few of my favorite "take-aways" were:

"What our children desire most from you is time. If you don't spend time with them, they won't be influenced by you."

"You are the conductor of life in your home."

"If there is no content in your soul, then there won't be any content for your children."

"In the absence of Truth, people always follow culture."

Sally also focused on the "life-giving home" - love that concept. So much hope and promise and love represented in that one simple phrase, but, peel back the layers and dive deeper with me and it becomes rather difficult to actually execute and rather convicting. That sort of execution requires me to remain humble, teachable and intentional which also makes me...well, tired if I'm being honest. Tired if I trust in my own strength; inspired if I know the Spirit will lead me and provide what is needed along the way.

So, I started thinking about what sorts of things create life in a home rather than take life out of a home. For me and my family, here are a few things that came to mind.

{Life-giving}:

- having intentional family dinner at least three nights a week - where we sit down only with our family and share and encourage and recap each others days: celebrations and struggles.

- leaving the TV off. really.

- playing instrumental music during the hurried routine of bath time, dinner preparation, dinnertime, and bedtime. helps me remain calm, if I'm being honest.

- saying "no" more often and being very aware of how many commitments we have during the course of a week. we aim to leave at least one night open during the week and on the weekend.

- praying through a homeschooling philosophy of education for many reasons, but also to create

margin in our lives alongside our children to serve and to live and to learn...together.

- committing to a date night each week for David and I. one week it may be a "date night IN" and another a "date night OUT", but we are intentionally setting aside one night a week for just quality conversation and enjoyment with each other sans kids/friends.

- a full night of sleep. it's been a while but as I recall - it's a wonderful thing. :)

- making coffee and playing worship music in the morning as we are getting ready for our day.

- going through my BSF and Community Group bible study prep with David. it not only helps me prepare but also strengthens our spiritual intimacy in marriage. bonus and necessary.

- cooking. David and I both love to cook and EAT (and drink good wine, occasionally) Kate is

also loving the 'baking' these days and I love sharing that with her.

- lighting candles - whenever and for whatever reason. doesn't even need a reason!

- reading. I am trying to do better about carving out time to read rather than just email or talk

- talking to dear friends. It's important to me to have phone conversations with friends walking a similar journey with me. I am trying to be better at this, but I always find more life after a good conversation.

- naps. oh yes.

- a trip to the gym. i know, I'm weird - but, getting out to the gym and getting some sort of work out makes a huge difference for my body and my mind and subsequently, my family. :) that makes me remember i haven't been enough lately.

- looking at pictures of things we have gotten to experience or enjoy. just makes me thankful of all God has allowed us to experience.

- talking and praying with Kate about the things we are thankful for each evening. a good perspective while winding down the day.

- baths. just started getting back into baths and reading a magazine. an indulgence, if you will, but oh so life-giving. ;)

- time with extended family. any time we get to share with others is such a treat for me and leaves my heart feeling so full.

What things are life-giving for you and/or for your families?

Sally and various members of her family have written a number of books. If you want to check some out, here are few that I have:

Mission of Motherhood - my first Sally book to read (thanks to Lori!) and one of my favorites, especially for new moms. A great starting place!

Ministry of Motherhood - a follow up to Mission of Motherhood focusing on how to disciple your children

Read for the Heart - "living" books to read to your children

Seasons of a Mother's Heart - geared more towards the homeschooling mother (but, in my book we are all homeschooling mothers)

Here are a few others that she offers that I have not gotten around to reading yet. I am sure there are more than even the ones I have mentioned here.

Dancing with my Father - Sally's newest book on biblical joy

The Mom Walk - describing what it means to pray and read the Word

24 Family Ways - a family devotion book written by her husband, Clay

Heartfelt Discipline - self-explanatory, by Clay as well

sweet {treats}

Our enchanting Snow White...

and beyond lovable monkey...

enjoyed an evening of treats: friends, laughs, memories and sweets.

A fun Halloween night to remember!

To Wesley : Love, Mommy and Daddy

As strange as it may sound, before I was even pregnant with you, I woke up one night - in the middle of the night - and felt a sincere, deep desire and need to pray for 'my son'. After having a miscarriage several months prior, I was not expecting that we would be able to have any more children. But in the name of obedience, I prayed for you starting that night and it continued on through the pregnancy, as I saw God's promises fulfilled. I remember that night vividly. I prayed for your character. I prayed that God would use you to do great things for His kingdom. I prayed that you would be a man of integrity, a leader among men. A man of purity. A leader of your home. A warrior for Truth with a compassionate and kind heart, like your Daddy.

Those prayers will continue as long as I have breathe.

It is an honor to be your mommy, Wesley James.

We love you more than you will ever comprehend. We know God has amazing things in store for you as you learn to fall into Him and trust Him completely. Your Daddy and I pray that our lives would help you learn what that means and that you would be able to see it in action. We are thankful to be your parents and to walk you through this journey. You are a gift to your Daddy and your Sister and me.

"And so, [Wesley], from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. "

Colossians 1:9-10

when in {Fall}...

... go apple picking.

Destination: Masker Orchards, Warwick, NY

Company: Kim & Cooper, Michelle & Joseph

Mission: Get out of the city, pick apples, eat apples, drink cider, pick out a pumpkin (or 3), and have a blast.

Click here to view these pictures larger

Mission accomplished.

{start with art}

a few weeks ago, we started taking a class at the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) for art class each week: "Start with Art". i was giddy as we walked over for our first class. i didn't grow up visiting museums on a regular basis and so i feel as though i am learning to appreciate art alongside kate. (i can actually understand it since they are gearing the class for 2-6 year olds)

first class: the teacher talked about the Chinese moon festival, read several books related to the topic and then we made our way to a garden in the middle of the MET - representative of a typical Chinese landscape. she guided the children to identify familiar shapes within the architecture and then they working on designing and coloring their own lanterns.

another gallery we visited last month featured this painting entitled, Woman with a Cat by Leger, a French artist.

really?

i think i could be a "painting title" developer. this one in particular seemed a bit obvious and not nearly as mysterious and thought provoking as the art itself.

i'm just sayin'.

so, kate's assignment was to sketch the picture and add what was "missing".

she got it. she loved it.

one of my favorites so far is the Dogon Couple - in the African gallery. the kids (and I) studied their relationship and how the artist is conveying their individual roles (vertical selves) and their relationship together (horizontal selves). it actually reminded me of a recent sermon where JR talked about developing our vertical selves (personal relationship with God) and our horizontal selves (our relationship in the context of community). they are designed by our Creator to go together and grow together. good to remember and to be intentional with both.

in this piece the artist is showing the male as protector and the female as the nurturing role, as she has a baby on her back - kate's favorite feature.

i am s-l-o-w-l-y learning my way around the MET and the best part is that it's free with admission to the museum. we pay $1 each time as a donation. nothing like studying art at the MET for $1! plus -it's a super fun activity for us to do and learn together.