Escapism. . .

-the avoidance of reality by the absorption of the mind in entertainment or in an imaginative situation or activity.

As in right now I wish my children couldn’t read this over my shoulder and ask me three thousand questions.  I would like to escape and avoid my present reality.  I would prefer my thoughts to be absorbed with something other then making sure I get 3 loads of laundry done, a snack made for a mom’s meeting tonight, and the school lessons I should be teaching to my children.  Wishing that it wasn’t a gloomy day, or that I had a more extravagant life.

The topic of “escaping” from my present reality has come up a lot lately.  I’ve talked with friends and Joshua about how this looks in our lives.  Why are we not finding joy and contentment in our day to day?  I have some thoughts of what this looks like that I want to share over a couple other posts, and hope that I may have some others share thoughts here too.

So what does Escapism look like in your life?  How is it unhealthy?  Have you ever found it to be beneficial?

Meet Erbeka Mercy Taylor

Introducing our very toddleresque 16 month old Erbeka.  Usually a happy natured, carefree child she is recently coming into her own independent little self.   Her only 2 words are still dada and hi, the rest of her day consists of shrieks and babbling.  She’s a delight to have in our family, and is still doing awesome in her potty training!

Erbeka is our diva in training with fancy hairbows from Aunt Anna

She is also quite possibly the only child deathly afraid of Elmo

She was our 2010 Christmas Cutie

And here is my all time favorite photo taken by my cousin Megan Wark

 

 

 

Introducing Zegeye Justice Taylor

Well after a few interview attempts we have something workable for Justice.  ;)  The first interview included only a few head nods and yes and no responses.  The second interview he said he wanted to be a dad, but NEVER get married, and NEVER have any children.  Zegeye’s also pretty sure that there are no more children in Ethiopia needing families?!?!  So anyhow, this interview is a bit long, but I hope you enjoy getting to know our loved son Justice.

This second video gives you a better glimpse into the spunky kinda kid that Zegeye is in a more natural setting.  I personally think he’ll be our band geek!  Only probably not quite as geeky as Joshua and I were. . . he’s a pretty cool kid.

What’s Cookin Good Lookin

In the next few days, I’ll resume interviews with the youngest two of the Taylor clan.  But for those of you searching for some meal ideas, this is what we have planned this week.

Monday-

• Lunch – Tomato soup and grilled cheese
• Dinner – BBQ beef sandwiches, chips, and carrot sticks

Tuesday-

• Lunch – Left over BBQ beef
• Dinner – Roasted chicken, rice, veggies

Wednesday-

• Lunch – Tuna salad sandwiches
• Dinner – Veggie Spaghetti with garlic bread

Thursday-

• Lunch – Salad with ham and eggs
• Dinner – Chicken pot pie

Friday-

• Lunch – Lentil soup and bread
• Dinner – Costco Pizza

Saturday-

• Lunch – leftovers
• Dinner – Meatloaf, salad, biscuits

Sunday-

• Lunch – Meatloaf sandwiches, carrot sticks
• Dinner – pancakes

The Greatest Show on Earth!!

Thanks to the generosity of some very kind people our family enjoyed attending The Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus last evening!  And I’m pretty sure it was the greatest show our children have ever seen.  So we’ll take a little break in our family interviews to give you a sneak peak of “The Greatest Show on Earth!”

From beginning to end it was like watching a huge musical production.

 

The kids meeting their first real live clown.  They loved it!

Kelly Anne the elephant painted a picture!

That man was very brave in the opinion of 3 Taylor children.

After a performance like the one below I have a feeling Enoch, Abeni, and Justice may abandon dreams of flying cars and motherhood for a job with the circus!  ;)

Introducing Tigist Abeni Taylor

In true Abeni fashion this interview is quirky and fun and a little all over the place! I think she must of been having a particularly difficult time with borrowing for double digit subtraction so she decided her favorite subject was reading. . . however I’m pretty sure this was the only day I’ve ever heard that come out of her mouth. Since she’s planning a family the size of a small town I think she’s in pretty good training for future babysitting jobs. Enjoy meeting our delightful daughter!

And incase the interview wasn’t enough of an introduction here’s a sneak peak into our cluttered (usually not quite so much) living room as we match socks.   Abeni’s vivacious personality and zeal for life truly come out in her unique dancing! Enjoy!

Meet Fikadu Enoch Taylor

Welcome to a week of interviews –  believe me when I say there is some fun to look forward to.  I have some great kids, and I can’t wait to show stuff like this to them in the future.  So with no further due. . . Introducing. . . .

And since this is Fikadu’s life passion I figured I’d let you know that someone has already started on it.  I wonder what it will cost to send a child to MIT in 10 years???