table.

a tiny pile of hands and eyes
clamor to the 
big wooden table
after soaping&toweling, 
little eyes ready 
to critique 
this evening's meal.
my Love gently places
baby girl's hands and eyes 
into her seat,
maneuvering the white lid secure.
i bustle about, 
gathering glasses
and sippy cups
dipping a spoon into the pot,
lowering it to simmer.
we settle into our seats,
oldest little prays 
earnestly
my heart is alarmingly
on its way to bursting
until the 
last moment
his pink lips form 
an amen.
lots of tinkling sounds of chatter
silverware clanging
i meet my Love's eyes 
above the 
hearty 
fray
he gives me a wink
as he cuts up 
orange and green pieces
with a 
plastic ikea fork.
middle little
twiddles her 
fuzzy two day braid
as she delicately 
stabs peas on her fork
these pockets in time,
gathered at our table
sharing a meal
and sharing our days, 
our experiences,
my little family 
all in one spot-
less than an arm's length away
fill my heart 
with gladness and joy.
amidst milk spills
and hard butter knives
crashing to the floor,
i find gifts to cherish
and treasures to store 
in my heart 
of hearts.
i am thankful 
for the laughter,
the stories 
shared,
little opportunities 
for lessons given..
this is 
colorful chaos
for which i 
am so 
thankful.