Bette was up for the usual Saturday morning workout with her personal trainer Harrison. Now that it’s summertime she also includes a few laps in the pool before she goes in for her shower. She walks Riley, feeds him and then starts breakfast for Angie. This morning she is making “Heavenly Heart-Shaped Pancakes” dotted with mini semi-sweet chocolate morsels and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Tina has managed to change Bette and Angie’s mind about vanilla being the best flavor. They haven’t become addicted to chocolate but they now enjoy eating it periodically. Bette prepares the breakfast tray with the heart-shaped pancakes and takes it into Angie’s room. She puts down the tray then wakes up her daughter by nuzzling her neck.

“Wake up sleepyhead.”

“Momma?” she slowly opens her eyes

“I made us breakfast. Are you hungry?”

Angie sits up as her mom brings over the breakfast tray and she smiles when she sees the heart-shaped pancakes.

“Momma that’s so cool. How did you make that?”

“With love sweetie. I have so much love for you that the pancakes came out heart-shaped.”

Angie doesn’t buy it but she smiles and signs I love you to her Momma by hugging herself. Bette smiles at the gesture. They still practice sign-language even though they don’t have as much occasion to use it now that Jodi is gone.

“I love you too baby. Why don’t you use the bathroom and wash up while I set up our breakfast OK.”

Angie runs out and is back in a flash. She sits on the bed cross-legged and Bette put the tray in front of her. She’s prepared some fresh fruit and milk for Angie. She has coffee for herself and they share the plate of pancakes.

“Momma this tastes really good. I like the chocolate chips in it.”

“It is pretty good isn’t it? I guess your Mommy was right about chocolate. It’s not that bad.”

“Yeah I like chocolate a little bit, but vanilla is still my favorite flavor for ice cream.”

“Me too. There is nothing better than Homemade French Vanilla ice cream.”

“Yeah!!”

“So are you excited about leaving for sleep-away camp next week? I’m glad Suzie and Jackie are going with you and Sophie. You guys are going to have so much fun. It’s going to be like having a sleepover with your best friends for five days.”