I’ve been organizing old photos lately, and it makes me pine for the days when the kids were cheek-pinchingly adorable.  But it would be a shame to get so lost in nostalgia that I miss this current phase that I’ll someday be nostalgic for, so I’m doing my darndest to live in the present.

The present is busy, between work and shuttling kids to school, soccer, gymnastics, horse visits, and sleepovers.  It can make dinners a scramble, but we do our best.  I asked Santa for an Instant Pot, and hopefully that will help.  Meanwhile, Clark has been teaching Sam to grill.  Best. Gift. Ever.  Sam can now grill both salmon and chicken 100% on his own, even when the propane runs out midway through the process.  What a gift for Clark, who comes home from work to find a grilled meal waiting on the table.  What a gift to me, who only needs to worry about side dishes.  And what a gift to Maggie, who is so impressed by her brother’s new skills that she’s inspired to learn herself.  (I know, I know… I should learn too…)

Most importantly of all, what a gift for Sam.  He’s grown up watching his dad, grandfather, and uncle grill amazing meals, and he’s proud to be part of the club.  He’s learning from the best!

Sam’s new skills came in handy last weekend.  The kids love homemade pot pies, but this year we didn’t have any leftover Thanksgiving turkey.  Sam offered to grill a few chicken breasts instead, and our pot pies turned out better than ever!

Yummy, and so very easy when your awesome teenage son grills and shreds the chicken for you!

I’ll always cherish the memories of my cute little critters when they were three, but 13 is something mighty special as well.

Treasuring every phase:  now there’s something to be thankful for this holiday season.