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favorite things

Having time to read, pry and drink coffee before the girls wake.
Coffee with whipping cream.
Looking out my kitchen window.  
Watching Lilian's face as she watches Madeleine.
Hearing Phil's voice when he talks to Lilian.
Knowing Madeleine has sweet, funny friends.
Starbucks on a cold day.
Getting enough sleep.
Crock pots.

A couple days ago Phil was making a cup of tea.  Madeleine really likes tea and especially enjoys Peppermint Tea.  Madeleine, "Papa, is that Peppermint Tea?"  Phil, "No, it's Iron Buddha." Maddie, "Why it iron booty?"

Yesterday was a really nice day for me.  Wednesday are my day off from school.  It's a great day to be off because Yali is here to help with the girls and it's mid-week.  I had already decided that I would use the morning to hang out by myself at Starbucks.  We have one very close to us.  I took my textbook and some other books that I just wanted to read.  I drank a latte, munched on a chocolate pastry and enjoyed the plush arm chair.  It was so nice.  

On my way home Phil called and we met for lunch at a Portuguese restaurant that has really good food.  They have a noodle dish with beef and green onions that taste so much like American style Mongolian beef, which just happens to be my favorite in the States.  Mongolian Beef is the only Chinese restaurant dish I like in the States and I was SO happy when I tasted these noodles for the first time.  Some restaurants here serve a dish called Mongolian beef but the taste is totally different from the States.  

In the afternoon I got a nice nap.  Mariah, Madeleine's friend, came over to play and stayed for supper.  She was super sweet and polite.  Funny, how we are already thinking of which friends can influence Madeleine in the best way.  Mariah is one of them.  Her family lives in our complex which makes getting together super easy.  

Our heat will be turned on this Saturday.  I am so ready.  It's cold.  Poor little Lilian's room is the coldest.  She sleeps great, though.  She wears layers and a sleep sack, plus we put 3 blankets on top of her.  Sounds so cozy, doesn't it?  

We should have a "Turning on of the Heat" party.  Hmmmmm...the wheels are turning.

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