What a woman wants

For the past three nights now I've asked the same question to my children for their one on one time with me. Initially, I was out of questions and tired and went for the easy question of "What was your favorite thing you did today," but then, after hearing their answer the first night, I went ahead and asked it again the next two nights just to see what they would say. The answer was the same every night and with very little variations from all three. The answer was "my time I spent with you (reading, talking, cooking, etc)." Because I thought they were saying it just to make me happy, I would remind them of the fun things they had done that day. So I would say "I thought you loved watching movies, or playing with your brothers and sister, or watching Star Trek with dad, or doing experiments, or going to the museum, (or whatever else I thought they really liked to do.) Nevertheless, their answer would be the same "Yes, mother, I loved doing those things. They were so fun, but I really, really enjoy snuggling in the couch and reading with you(James)," or "Oh, yes, those experiments were so much fun, but I love cooking or playing chess with you. That's my favorite (Jefferson)," or "I love being with you in the car and talking to you, just you and me, without those pesty boys interrupting us. Right now also is my favorite time. I love your hugs, and that you stay longer with me than with the boys." At this point, I hear Jefferson from the other room saying "That's not fair! You stay with Gillian longer." So, I give Gillian a good bye hug; she won't let me go; she is convinced to let go of me when I tell her she can read for few more minutes; I go to give Jefferson another kiss so he won't be mad at me; I hear Elijah reminding me it's past bedtime for the children and time for their mom to be with her husband; I'm finally coming down the stairs all happy and warm inside grateful for the wonderful relationship I have with my kids. I don't have to ask Elijah what his favorite thing was today, because he hasn't had his yet; he's longing to spent some time with his wife. I know that's his favorite thing, because he tells me that every night, too.