sometimes, when kids are ornery and i am well, just not having fun being with them i wonder why i don't just work more and keep them in an after school program every day.  but afternoons like this, laid back and peaceful and silly, plenty of time for homework and playing with pets, and punctuated by maya's living room drawing class (this is miles' beautiful tree) i am grateful that i have extra time at home with these two people i love so much.

it may look cluttered to some, but i noticed  "home" painted on the metal window cover (can someone tell me what the word for this thing is??  i didn't grow up in a place where windows needed to be protected overnight) on the corner store this morning while getting a much needed iced coffee before heading to work. i love it.