Simply Craig

Have you ever looked at grocery shopping as a rewarding experience? I haven't. Until I went to Denver. I wish I could do my grocery shopping every week at Tony's Market. It was just a hop, skip and a jump from where we were staying, right in the heart of the city. There is just something unique about a fresh market. And let me tell you,  fresh  is exactly what you get. My mouth was watering just walking down the aisles. Could you ever say that about Walmart? This market had a large deli, a bakery with cakes that looked almost too pretty to eat, a huge selection of meats and seafood and, best of all, a little bistro that was absolutely deelish! Mr. B.T.C. and I walked down—crutches and all—and enjoyed the best breakfast. While we were eating, I started thumbing through a recipe magazine and quickly decided it was a must-have. When I got home, this was the first recipe I tried. Oh man, was it ever good. One thing I especially liked was that the tostadas weren't deep fried. I ...

B.T.C. had to go to Denver this week on business. Since he’s still on crutches (and will be for another three weeks, doctor’s orders) he invited me to come along. His thinking was that I could help with the luggage, open doors, push the wheelchair...you know, be his  helper . I was delighted to go. I would never pass up an opportunity for a little extra time with this man. Besides, I don't particularly like crawling into an empty bed when he's away. So an extra ticket was purchased and off we went. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way it became questionable as to who exactly needed the helper. So, Mr. B.T.C., I would like to formally apologize for the following: ONE. Pushing you painfully slow through the airport. Who knew the wheelchair brakes were ON? Not me. I was huffing and puffing, trying desperately to make it look like pushing a grown man uphill on airport carpet was no big deal. It was a big deal. I have a whole new appreciation for the wheelchair "pusher."...

Often I write a quote or scripture on our kitchen chalkboard. This one currently holds the record for the longest ever kept. I’m pretty sure the kids are ready for a new one. I’m not. Here’s why. I’m hopeful that every time this scripture is read... (I can feel my mind wandering off for a moment.) ...a sudden miraculous change will sweep over each child, causing such a mighty change of heart that they will NEVER feel wrath again. Snap out of it! Okay, I’m back. What I really hope is that each child will, in some way, value what they’ve read. And if not now, maybe the words will settle into some little holding zone deep in their brains and surface someday when they need them. “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” —James 1:19 When I first read this scripture, it had great value to me, so I’ve been trying to apply it. I’ve been listening more and speaking less. It has changed things. I’ve also started noticing how often we humans do just the opposite. We’re swift...

I hope Cupid is spreading a little love around your house today... and always.

Mr. B.T.C., I could go out and buy you a gift, but I like the way Valentine’s Day originated. Through a letter, to a Valentine. So... I just wanted you to know that I love so many things about you. I love how your blue eyes look straight into mine when we talk. I love that, daily, we add to what we started with. I love bonding over problem solving. I love working together. I love the sharing. I love the negotiating. I love seeing you in each of our children. I love the way you father. I love your passion for life. I love your desire to help others. I love the way you cherish me. I love your integrity. I love that when I met YOU, the world turned colors. The test of our relationship has been in the work. We started out as TWO partners, and through the work we’ve become ONE. I’ve loved the process. I love you. To my VALENTINE. Love, peeegeee

Valentine’s Day evening can get pretty crowded, so Mr. B.T.C. and I decided to beat the crowd and have our Valentine’s dinner Friday night. We tried a new place—well, new to us. It’s actually been around for a while—and it was delicious! So, naturally, I’m passing it along to my local friends: House of Tricks 114 East 7th Street Tempe, AZ I always love trying new places for our Friday night dates, so if you have a favorite little spot where the food is remarkably good, please do share. Our next Friday night date may depend on it.

I’ve been doing a little decorating lately. More on that later. The kids have been doing a little decorating of their own, setting the mood for Valentine’s Day with notes to one another about the things they love most. One little heart at a time, our kitchen is filling up. I’m amazed at some of the sweet things they say about each other. They notice the little things...the hugs, the kindness, the things that make each brother or sister uniquely  them . I love that they’re so close and that expressing their love for one another comes so freely. It makes this momma’s H E A R T swell.

This is what I found in my neighbor’s front yard. Yes.  Ice. In Arizona. We’ve had unusually cold weather this week. In fact, this is the first time I can ever remember my kids pulling out their winter clothes...the ones normally reserved for our ski trips...just to go to school. Apparently Arizona decided to try winter. I’m hoping it’s temporary.