lessons learned while coloring

This coloring activity impressed two facts upon my little brain:

1.) Crayons + Pictures = an amazingly simple way to reconnect wth yourchild.  We chatted.  She asked questions.  She dictated letters to her grandparents about how much she loved spaghetti and how she can button her tricky pajamas all by herself.  There are honestly so many days that I go to bed and think "I spent all day with my children and I don't feel like I spent any time with them at all."  Sometimes I feel like I'm merely a sheep herder that is in charge of basic sheep protection: eat and don't get killed.  I didn't remember that the key to connecting was not in a grand craft, a trip for ice cream, or a baking spree.  Those are all wonderful  (and certainly ways to connect) but real connection doesn't have to be that grand.  It's accomplished with a box of crayons, or talking over soapy dishes, or climbing into the bottom bunk and singing songs with really wierd voices. 

2.) She smokes me at coloring.