I love blank sheets of paper. There is something inviting about seeing a clean slate. Will I write a story? Draw a picture? Make a to-do list? Fold it into origami? The possibilities are endless.

I like to keep spiral notebooks handy for the boys. They each have one of their own, but we also have a few “community” ones for everyone to share. They are great to keep in the car and take to church to keep fidgety boys occupied. They all like to draw, but I’ve noticed lately that they also like to make lists and plans.

In the car yesterday, Nos. 2 & 3 worked out a business plan for the bakery they are planning to open when they grow up. They developed a menu and tossed around possible names for the store. Besides marveling in their creativity, it impressed me that they worked so well together — collaborating and sharing ideas! — for at least a half hour … no bickering, no raised voices … it was glorious.

They even agreed to put a low-carb buttermilk pie on the menu, just for me. 😉