Best Friend and Risotto

There are a few things I’d like to talk about…

The first, and by far the most important, is my son. He is almost four and full of energy, love, and stubbornness. I will not get into the energy or stubbornness right now, as I am sure there will be plenty of other times to discuss such matters. But the love, oh the love… He crawled up in my lap last night to cuddle. I try not to refuse these moments, even if he is squirmy and I am busy because I know one day not too far in the future, he will be sixteen and want nothing to do with his weird, old mother. So, I take the cuddles. This time he not only cuddled, he also stated matter-of-factly, “momma, you’re my best friend.” My first reaction was to melt because of the obvious. My child, my sweet and beautiful boy, picked me. How lucky I am. My second response was wondering where in the world did he get the term “best friend.” It is crazy to me what he picks up on a daily basis. There is a part of me that wants to watch him grow. I want to experience life with him and see him walk down his own path. But the other part, the emotional and maternal part, wants him to stay this tiny person forever. I want to always be his best friend. I want him to always be as excited as he is these days when his daddy comes home. I never knew something so small could ignite so much frustration and such an overflow of love, most of the time in one day.

Secondly and small in comparison to the former, is the risotto I made this evening was… delicious. I didn’t have high expectations because it usually takes me a handful of times to get something down, especially when it comes to cooking. Last week I had decided to make mushroom risotto and so I skimmed a few recipes online. I settled with one by Jamie Oliver. I mean, I am in England so it was only fitting that I use a Brit’s recipe. The 30 minutes it took me to make seemed longer. However, it was worth the time spent and the huge mess I made.  I do wish it wasn’t a starchy carb and had less fat so I could make it (and consume it) more often.  However, I think once a month will be just fine. Next thing on the menu? Homemade scones with clotted cream and tea. YUM!

England may just steal my heart yet…