Labor of Love

Everybody shows and accepts love in different ways. We tend to see love as passive, but in reality it takes action (and sometimes hard work) to keep loving someone after that initial spark. Whether it be that moment when you realize, "Yes, this is the person I want to grow old with," or the first time you look into your new child's eyes, if you don't keep accepting and trying to show your love for that person, it can tarnish and fade. I truly believe that loving is a choice.

Each of my children need different things to feel loved, but filling their tummies is an essential first step for all of them. Sometimes the task is easier than other times. It's always gratifying to cook for Davis, he will generally eat whatever I've made, and always tells me "Thank you." Clark is a picky eater. Although he has learned to be gracious, he would rather starve than eat something he doesn't feel is palatable. Isaac is somewhere between the two.

Yesterday I decided to show Clark my love for him through Whoopie Pies. They are yummy soft chocolate cookies sandwiched in the middle with a decadent lard filling. We all love them, but Clark begs for them, he negotiates for them. "Mom, if you'll make Whoopie Pies I'll clean the bathroom, including the toilet, mop the kitchen floor, clean up the dog poop in the yard, be nice to Isaac, fly to the moon, and pay someone to take care of you when you're an old lady."

As delicious as those cookies are, I really dislike making them. They are three times the work for half the cookies. Yesterday, without negotiations, without being on a waiting list for two months, I made a double batch.

All three of those boys better know how much I love them!