Then we had pajama choosing time, boy would be decisive {unless he was layering 14 or 17 pair of pajamas} while girl would contemplate each option and the effects it would have on her sleep {the 'slippery ones' felt nice but made her slip, the 'footed ones' got really hot, the 'dog ones' were cute but rolled funny if she rolled ect. ect. ect}. 15 more minutes would pass and before we knew it the clock read 7:35. Teeth ... timers on and songs sung through the mouth full of goop, happy children! Then we would all jump into the bed in the Princess room with books in hand. We read and we read. Depending on the guest that evening there may have been voices as some of our favorites were read. When Cowboy chose the 'truck' book he would chime in as each page turned announcing his favorite, the 'digger' or the 'wator' {how I miss his speech issues}. Girlfriend would remind us of the end often before the beginning if she was tired as she has needs the happy ending to be confirmed to have happy sleeps. The kiddos would find a comfy place and close their eyes as they listened to the familiar lines. By the time the clock read 8:03 both would be out, flailing around the bed in sweet slumber. I often lingered there in the peaceful moment that ended their day, knowing that the next day would bring a bit more chaos but smiling because I knew the end would be the same. 
I'm at a happy place in life, a very happy place. And although I cannot give credit to one grand moment for putting me in this happy place I do give credit to a gazillion little moments, to the countdowns, to the faces that surround me and in this particular post, to the voices that read to me. In the last month the voices have
ranged from Papa to Ace to CA to Ace to Jack to Ace {Ace happens to be a fantastic reader and my roommate at present, its incredibly convenient}. I curl up in the perfect train blanket I have commandeered for myself on the big black LoveSac and listen as stories are told of monsters, alphabetic demises, and floating princesses. I find myself laughing as characters take familiar yet intriguing shape. And as the story unfolds I find myself wondering if my friend realizes just how much of himself is found in his characters, his creations. As that low bass tells the familiar stories of us I find myself lulled into a needed slumber and forget the worry that was creeping up on me only moments before. I am enchanted with these moments, they are my happy place in an already joyful life.
