Dinner time.

 Family dinners are a favorite of mine. Everyone around the dinner table, laughing, talking, telling stories. Growing up, we sat at the dinner table to eat as often as possible, and this made a lasting impression. I have tried to make this a priority in our home, as well. I hope that Jax and Cole remember sitting around the dinner table talking about our days and all the various things that are going on in our lives. Fantastic and mundane. Surface and gritty.

Last night, at the dinner table, both of the boys were so very animated. Jax was telling us a story about The Great Pumpkin (a decorative pumpkin his music teacher has), and Cole was explaining to us that his art box has completely disappeared from his desk. Without a trace. Huh. We also talked about Halloween and broken garage doors and hunting and spelling words.

We even had a teaching moment. TJ had the opportunity to provide assistance to a woman in need yesterday while out shopping. The young mother in front of him in line at the store was trying to pay for formula for her very young baby and did not have sufficient funds. She was nearly in tears, and TJ was able to step in and pay. The young mother was very grateful, and we all learned a lesson about how we can consistently find ways to help others, even when we are not looking.
Every morning, when the boys walk out the door, my directive to them is: Be Kind, Be Brave, Have Fun, and Help Someone.

I truly believe some of the most important conversations we will have as a family will occur at our dinner table. Our happiest moments, our heartbreaking moments, and everything in between.