princess of peace

self portrait by ella, originally uploaded by ellajohn.

I think that it happens at every house with children. The time between dinner and bed gets a little kooky. Around here I think the word is raucous, so I thought I'd try something new. I appointed Ella the princess of peace for that period of time. I told them they could have me one hundred percent from dinner to bedtime, no dishes, nada. Just baths and stories. I made a warm lavender bath for them, lit some candles, and put on a lullaby CD. Then we read a Jack and Annie book for Ella and a Curious George book for John, and they were both asleep by seven thirty.

It worked nicely with some backup from Daddy, and we'll try it again tomorrow.