A day of rest - well, a few hours anyway...

I've been going nonstop with the kiddos, since they are deciding not to sleep at night anymore. At 7 months, miss lady and the man-baby are wildly unpredictable and coming into their own personalities for sure.

Needless to say, I've been tired.  Sunday morning I decided I needed a little break. Ivan took the babes to church (thank you Grace Brethren nursery volunteers!)  I did my morning chores (washing bottles, cleaning the kitchen), took a leisurely shower, read the chapter on Christmas called "sometimes I forget to tell you I love you" in Madeleine L'Engle's " The irrational season : The Crosswicks Journal - book 3".  The book follows the liturgical year and is a deeply satisfying glimpse into the life and spiritual journey of an exceptional writer and, in my mind, such a profound theologian.

The chapter ends with this small verse,

This is the irrational season
When love blooms bright and wild.
Had Mary been filled with reason
There’d have been no room for the child.

which speaks so much to me right now, in my own irrational season- of learning to live with these two little ones, coming into our lives so unexpectedly, and whom I love so deeply, even in my exhausted haze.

These dear ones...

Things I Like! 13 Most Beautiful...Songs for Andy Warhol's Screen Tests

I have been playing this on Netflix lately for background music.  It features songs by Velvet Underground successors Dean and Britta (ex-Luna). Dean Wareham was also in Galaxie 500 (swoon!) and whenever I think of Galaxie 500, I think of an old friend from Portland, Will Capel, who is no longer with us.  This movie is definitely all atmosphere, oddly compelling and a little creepy.

Cerritos Public Library : Field Trip!

I took the kids to the Cerritos Public Library this afternoon and was absolutely blown away! It's like Disneyland for bibliophiles.  I will be bringing the kiddos often, once they are walking, since it is both a great place to play and an amazing way to cultivate interest in reading and learning, as it appeals to all of the senses.

The fountains outside.

The amazing entrance...

With a wall-size aquarium.  The babes were absolutely captivated.

This is the banyan tree.  You can sit beneath its branches and read.

They keep multiple copies of Caldecott Award-winning books.  I love this!  The book nerd in me salivates over having multiple copies of books for some reason. Also, The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a spectacular book.  I read it a few months ago - if you are interested in film history, graphic novels or design - you will like this book. Great for kids and adults.

The lighthouse has comfortable seats - perfect for curling up with a book.  The sky above the lighthouse changes hourly.

I am definitely considering joining the library once the kids are older.   The non-resident fee is $100, but they have amazing programs for kids and adults and such an incredible collection of books.

Gatsby Books Children's Story Time - Saturday, September 11 at 12pm

I'm so thrilled about Gatsby Books opening in Long Beach. Sean has put together a really great collection of books and some fun family-friendly upcoming events, including Story Time every Saturday at noon, and an acoustic show for kids and science nerds alike by the Amoeba People on Saturday, September 25th at 1pm, for free! Let's show our support for the independent bookseller - hooray!

I photographed Gatsby the Owl for the flyer - isn't he the most delightful little creature you have ever seen?