Admittedly, I'm in a bit of a funk. I've said before that I find writing cathartic, and today, though I have no real topic in mind, I just feel like writing. It would probably serve me well to engage in some sort of physical activity, like yoga or even just brisk walking, to achieve this feeling. Yet, here I sit in the center of Cherry Creek Mall, sipping a Nordy's Mocha Ice Storm and munching on strawberries, exerting energy of only the mental variety. I'll warn you: there's no rhyme, reason, or cohesive flow to what you're about to read. Here goes... 

A few months ago I ordered some amazing (amazing=super soft=super cozy=not inexpensive) sheets for our guest room. They turned out to be too small for the bed, but returning them to the online site from which I ordered them wasn't possible. They have been laying on the desk in the playroom since February as I was trying to decide what to do with them (gift them? donate them?). They are now being used as the covering to a pirate fort constructed by Carter in the backyard; at least they are being put to good use, I suppose.

I've decided that if I ever find myself with so much money that I have no idea what to do with it, I will employee a person to complete one simple task: applying self-tanner to my entire body every night before I go to bed. I so prefer to look at my usually pasty skin when it's glistening thanks to a nice coating of the gold in a bottle, but I just don't have the patience or energy to do it myself at night. Applying it during the day isn't an option, obviously: no doubt I would end up stamped with thigh-level Murphy handprints. Besides, when on earth would I be able to remain unclothed during the kiddos' waking hours for the 20 minutes it take the stuff to dry?

Why do adults tell children that something 'won't hurt' or 'doesn't hurt' when it obviously will or does? I observed a little girl getting her ears pierced (one at a time) the other day, and was disgusted at the adults- both of her parents as well as the piercing gal-telling the wailing child that the experience was not painful. As I witnessed the scene, I thought of shooting some sort of dart through each of their heads. Jerks.

Lately, all I want to eat is tomatoes/tomato based items (but, interestingly, not tomato sauce.) I'm not sure if this is a pregnancy craving or just a summer one, but I'm obsessing non-stop about caprese salad and bruschetta. I'm often disappointed when my mental idea of these mini-meals is far more tasty than the real deal. I continue to be let down with the quality and freshness of the tomatoes or the minimal amount of mozzarella. I know I should just head to Whole Foods and pick up some premium products to make my own at home... Hey! maybe the self-tanner-applier-person could keep my fridge stocked with perfectly sliced tomatoes, fragrant basil, and fresh mozzarella???

Yesterday, my mom sent me several random texts throughout the day... ranging from her thoughts on the obesity problem in American to her observations of shopping with men. I sent her a texted 'smiley face' and told her that I loved her 'stream of consciousness' texts; bet she didn't know she'd inspire me to write a blog about nothing. 

It Is Well with My Soul

The popular saying 'Confession is good for the soul,' is familiar to most folks. When I began thinking about this blog post, I did a quick Google search of the quote and discovered something interesting. The original proverb stated, 'Open confession is good for the soul.' Well, the inclusion of this single word made my intended entry all the more appropriate. How could confession be more open than when being expressed via the world wide web?
The proceeding confessions are coming from the voice of a full time stay at home Mommy of two girls, ages 4 and 19 months. I'm also 15 weeks along in my third pregnancy, and, incidentally, my husband spends the majority of the 'work week' in another state. I wish I could say that I'm managing this Mommy Business with total grace and ease, but lately this has just not been the case.
If I were Catholic, I suppose I would begin this list with, 'Forgive me, father, for I have sinned,' (at least this is what I've seen in the movies.) However, since I am not, I will just get down to the business of confession...

• I haven't cooked a real meal for my children in the past two months... Early pregnancy all day nausea + pregnancy and non-pregnancy induced exhaustion + somewhat picky eaters + not having my hubby here for dinner + my own all day long continuous snacking = A Mommy who'd prefer to go out to dinner or serve up some variety of Annie's Mac and Cheese for the kids while I dine on cereal and cookies after they are tucked in bed.
• I don't always mind when my kids are 'bad'... Of course, I'm not proud of the behavior and wish that my angels were always angels, but let's face it, when the kiddos act up there are consequences: consequences that I choose. An appropriate consequence for arguing with Mommy or pushing little sis, could be early bedtime for Carter (which, in turn, means early bedtime for Mommy.) Random acts of violence on the part of Miss Murphy could lead to some calm-down time in her crib (which leads to a 10 minute break for Mommy in which I may actually be able to check my email or even apply a bit of makeup!) 
• I often manipulate help Carter get a treat on her mind just so I can indulge... Ice cream after school, a cupcake from a local bakery, a slice of cake after dinner, something fun from the candy shop... these are all confections that I crave. However, I feel a tad less guilty about indulging when I'm doing it for the kids. I would not likely make a special trip to Whole Foods just for my most favorite angel food cake, but when my darling lil four year old comes up with the idea, how could I possibly say no?
• I sometimes have ulterior motives when I suggest a trip for penny throwing in the fountain... I've not been secretive about the fact that I do not especially enjoy many kid friendly activities. I'm lucky, though, that my girlies love a field trip to the mall and have a great time tossing pennies into the fountain. So, on a rainy day (who am I kidding? it could just as easily be a sunny day) I'll suggest this activity just so I can swing by J. Crew or Anthropologie for some mid-week retail therapy. 
• I've had a babysitter come just so I can catch up on shows on my DVR list... Look, with the kids being bonkers and the hubby being gone and the belly being, well, big, sometimes I just need a break. I don't always have errands to run or appointments to keep, but a break is needed nonetheless. Now and then on these days, I'll simply welcome the sitter and slip into my bedroom for a little me time of the television variety. To add to this confession, I am actually doing so at this very moment though blogging is taking the place of TV viewing. 

This list could go on and on and on, but I must say that I already have a nice refreshing feeling in my soul having gotten these sins off my chest. Perhaps this open confession will become a regular part of my blog.

If you'd like a place to bare your soul, feel free to use the comments section of my blog... you'll be shocked at how good it feels! 

A Garden Party for My Growing Girl

As soon as Carter began describing herself as being '3 and 3 quarters' (actually, initially she said '3 and 3 coins), she and I began discussing how she'd like to celebrate her birthday. Despite my suggestions of a gymanstics or Monkey Bizness party (both of which would be NOT at home), she became set on the idea of a Garden Party (which WOULD be at our home.) I kept thinking that this would likely be the first birthday that she'll actually remember, so I decided to go ahead with her big idea.
We began by creating a guest list. Since the party would be in our backyard (fingers were crossed for good weather!), inviting her entire class wasn't an option. She did a good job of narrowing her list to five school friends and five non-school friends. I did a quick Google search of 'Garden Party Ideas' just to get my creative juices flowing, and the week before the big day included trips to Ikea, Party City, Home Depot, Sugarlicious, and Target.
I wish I could say that all the prepping and planning went off stress-free, but a house-full of sickies and a migraine attack for Mommy took away a bit of my available prep time. The party was scheduled to begin at 1:30 on Saturday, and I was a bit high-strung stressed crazy in the final hours before our guests' arrival.
A sweet girlfriend of mine checked in with me throughout the morning asking if she could do anything to help or come a bit early to help set up. I had the brilliant idea to ask her to be our event photographer.  I knew I would be too busy playing hostess to capture all the day's special moments and little details, and I'd noticed that she takes fantastic pictures of her own family events.

The Birthday Girl.

She's worn this birthday crown, for a few minutes at least, 

at every birthday she's celebrated!

The Butterfly Bounce House.

The bounce house was a last minute addition to the party,

but was perfect to keep the kids happy between activities.

The Planting Station. 

There's potting soil in the big planters 

on the ground with kid-sized shovels for digging. 

I added pinwheels to each for a whimsical decoration.

Each child had two pots with his/her name on it: 

one to plant a flower and one to plant veggie seeds.

The Dirt Bar.

The silver watering cans on the back 

corners of the table held brightly colored gum-balls.

The 'dirt' planter contained kid-sized shovels 

to use as serving spoons. 

A close up of the sign in the 'dirt'...

eight packages of hand crushed (by Daddy) Oreos.

 A few of the toppings.

Carter had a ball at the candy shop choosing the

 'things we could find in dirt.'

Cute signs courtesy of my fabulously artistic husband.

The toppings included gummy worms, snakes, night crawlers, 

butterflies, spiders, and centipedes; 

as well as sunflower seeds and colorful flowers. 

Licking her lips as she makes her selections.

Each kiddo got an oblong tin that I'd lined 

with vanilla yogurt as the base for their unique Dirt Delight.

(I decided to use yogurt instead of pudding since there'd be so many sweet toppings.)

Marin: a happy girl with her completed concoction.

Birthday Girl enjoying her Dirt Dessert

while relaxing under the umbrella of her adirondack chair.

Her cup is filled with lemonade embellished flower-shaped ice cubes.

The ice kids LOVED the fun shaped, multi-colored cubes!

The Butterfly Pinata.

The Birthday Girl takes the first swing!

Thanks to some brawny boys, 

the garden treasures were out in no time!

Garden Themed Cupcakes.

Cake and icing made my Mommy; Garden designs by Daddy.

How can my baby be four?

The Must-Have Group Shot.

All eyes may not be on the camera, 

but all kiddos (plus an extra sibling!) are accounted for!

The Party Favors. 

The favor buckets included gummy bug-kabobs,

daisy shaped lollipops, and personalized orange and green 

sixlets placed in cone shaped packages to resemble carrots.

The Family Shot.

The Presents.

My husband had sent me the beautiful spring flowers earlier in the week,

and they served as the perfect Garden Party gift table centerpiece. 

My Girls and Me.

All and all, I'd say the fourth birthday extravaganza was fun for all, and I felt only slightly guilty for sending the kids home on crazy sugar highs. As for the Birthday Girl, I know she had a ball though she did find a space of solitude towards the end of the party.

Just A Girl and Her Guitar:

Singin the blues on her special day.

(A thousand thank-you's to Kelsey for all the pics that made this party round-up possible.)

The Non-Things, Q1

On the day that I celebrated my fourth year of being a Mommy, I'm already feeling particularly blessed.  My precious Carter Lilly brings more joy to my life than I can even begin to describe and invigorates me in a way that causes an ordinary day to feel anything but. It only seems appropriate to continue in this reflection of blessings by taking note of the Non-Thing Things that created full lives for us in the early months of this year.

Here are my tippity top Non-Thing Things of 2012, Q1, (a bit behind, but who really notices)

1. Visiting Family Far and Wide... I've often noted  how grateful we are to have so many visitors come to our home in Denver. In the early months of this year, though, we became the visitors. It began with a trip to Pittsburgh over MLK weekend in January. Lindsay's Our cousin, Kyndal, and her family of fellas live there, and after they visited us last May, we knew that we would be returning the favor. It was so refreshing to be the guests of folks who are in our same stage of life... who understand crazy kids and schedules and quirks and are able to adapt and roll with the punches. We had a couple of adults only date nights at some fun Pittsburgh eateries and even took in some bowling. We also had plenty of time to love on each others' kiddos. Then, just a few weeks later over President's Day weekend, Carter and I took a long overdue trip to Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, to visit my Aunt Holley and Uncle Terry, their grown up kids, and their granddaughter Gigi . I had been telling Holley I would come for the past few years and finally just booked the ticket. I loved traveling with just my big girl; she is quite a fun little airplane companion. Our trip was full of trips down memory lane, delicious home-cooked meals, rousing games of Catch Phrase, and simple reconnecting. Over spring break, we made it back to North Carolina. The trip was planned around my cousin, Amanda's, wedding, but we managed log a ton of quality family time all around. Meeting my cousin, Christene's, sweet baby girl was a big highlight for me as was spending an evening just chatting with my Grandma. Carter loved fishing with her Pa, and Murphy, of course, was happy on whatever hip she happened to be stationed. 
2. Taking Our First Ever Family Vacation... as is obvious by the above, our kids have done a lot of traveling in their young lives. We have visited family in Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina, Arkansas, and, now, Pennsylvania over the past four years. We had not, however, ever taken a vacation with the kiddos (except a night or two to the mountains.) Lindsay and I fell in deep like with Arizona when we were there for less than 24 hours for a bowl game in early January. We decided then that it would be a fun place to bring the kids since it's such an easy flight from Denver yet miles away from the Colorado winters. When a work trip landed Lindsay in Phoenix for a Thursday meeting, we took advantage of the time and the girls and I met him at the Arizona Biltmore for the weekend. As many horror stories as I'd heard about 'vacations' with small children, we had a ball! The girls slept great, despite all being in one room, and were pleasantly occupied by the resort's beautiful grounds and the many swimming pool options. It was so lovely to take in some serious sunshine while our own backyard was still covered in snow. We also discovered on this trip that Murphy Girl is quite the natural in the pool, and I'm interested to see if this skill continues into the summer. (I should note: I'm by no means implying that we're ready to take on Disney World, but our first experience of getting our toes in the water of the family vacation was a success.) 
3. Creative Carter... as I documented back in January, Carter has quite the creative side, and I've really loved watching it evolve over the past few months. She seems to have inherited both my childhood imagination and Lindsay's artistic skill (not that he's not imaginative, too, because he is; far more than I am as an adult) and watching it all unfold has been fun. She is a lover of all things nature and enjoys going on nature walks to collect things to use for a project or an idea. She and Lindsay have spent Saturday afternoons making birds' nests and dinosaur habitats from pine-cones, leaves,  and glitter glue (she IS a girl, after all.) I try not to curb her creativity, but I have had to lay down the law on the amount of nature that's allowed in the house... I can only roll over in bed to feel a twig in my back so many times... 
4. My Hubby's New Job... after nearly five years working for the company that moved us to Denver, Lindsay took a bold and wise risk and accepted a new position (as CEO, but who's bragging?) at a new company. This new position is ideal in many ways, but it does require him to be out of town at least two nights a week but often three or even four. Now, before you start wondering what I'm getting at by listing something that takes my husband away from us 1/3 of the time as a Favorite Non-Thing, let me explain... I am happy because he is happy! In fact, I'd dare say I've never seen him in a happier place, career-wise. He is mentally stimulated; he is passionate about what he's doing; his creative juices are allowed to flow; he's excited about both the present and the future. AND, when he's not at work he's with us, really truly present. There is something so exhilarating about watching the successes of those we love, and I would gladly take a few nights of sleeping alone (likely in bed by 8:30 with a box of cookies watching Toddlers and Tiaras or Dance Moms) to share in that success.
5. The Adorableness of the Murph.... now, I'm not going to sugarcoat things and act like my Murphy doesn't with a somewhat regularity still have days like these. She certainly has many opinions about how she does and does not like things to be done and is not at all shy about expressing those, whether through verbal or physical expression. She continues to enjoy being front and center in my space, so to speak, and I often carry her around while I go about my daily tasks. The older she gets, though, the goofier she gets. Her little 'throw her head back and shriek with glee' expression is down right darling. She has a clever thought process and can thwart most any obstacle to get her hands on her beloved Mousey for some mid-day thumb-sucking. When caught doing something of the naughty variety, she is quick to run away often saying, 'Hide! Hide! Hide!' as she goes. Her love for both the I-Pad and my wallet (shrieking the word 'MONEY!' whenever she spots it) has me a tad alarmed, but I'm sure she'll just grow up to be a financial analyst. Or an account hacker. 

Despite a season that has been full of change, asthma, babysitter departures, stomach bugs, a dreaded doggie diagnosis, ear infections, and so on and so on, it feels great to reflect on the Non-Thing Things that have been just splendid throughout all the yuckies. These are the Things that keep us keepin' on!

Favorite Things, Q1

I MISS BLOGGING! Phew, it feels good just to get that out. The thing is, life's been a tad crazy as of late, and I just haven't devoted any time to my blog. Even though this one is a bit late, I couldn't skip out on one of my my only regular feature.
While I can't say that I did much shopping in the few months following the Christmas season, I did manage to come across several things that are worth a mention.
Here goes, My Favorite Things of 2012, Q1,

1. Milk Delivery... prior to October of last year, with Murphy Girl still drinking baby formula, I could pretty easily keep up with our family's milk needs with weekly trips to Costco for the 3, 1/2 gallon cartons of 1.5% organic milk. This is what Carter drinks and what I use for cooking. Well, when Murphy made the switch to whole milk at her first birthday, I found myself constantly running to the market. Because Costco doesn't sell the whole organic milk, I had to pick it up elsewhere and in smaller amounts. Not only did this become tedious, it was also quite expensive to keep both girls stocked with their own type of milk. When the Royal Crest delivery man showed up on my porch offering up a free sample,  he didn't have to twist my arm! I basically opened the front door with my credit card ready. Now every Monday morning, I open my front door to find a gallon of whole and gallon of 1% waiting in the cooler on the front porch. And, if I find that we are going through one or the other quicker during the week, I can just give them a call for an extra Thursday delivery. I can also add other products like eggs, yogurt, butter, even cookie dough to my weekly order. This thing has made my life so. much. easier. Royal Crest Milk Delivery
2. Sperry Topsiders, Baby-Sized... being the second girl in our family, Murphy Girl's wardrobe consists almost solely of hand-me-downs. We were so blessed when Carter was our tiniest to be gifted beau-coups of darling girlie clothes, and most of them have easily transferred to Murphy.  Shoes, though, do tend to look worn out once they are actually used for running and walking. That coupled with Murphy being off-season from where Carter was at the same size meant she was in need of some new kicks early this year. We still had some Christmas money in the Murphy fund from Pops and Misha, so we headed to Nordstom to take a look at our options. There were some cute mary janes, some Tom's that were a bit too wide, and a few basic sneakers. However, when I spotted these in all their metallic pink adorableness, I knew my little one needed them! Murphy gets compliments on these all the time, and I love them because they look just as cute with leggings as with a fun sun dress. Metallic Pink Sperry Topsiders, Baby-Sized
3. Dustbuster... I know; the vast majority of homes have Dustbusters (or similar handheld vacuums) as a staple of the cleaning arsenal.  I, too, have owned several over the years. For one reason or another, though, I hadn't had one in well over a year. Then, when we paid a visit to our cousins in Pittsburgh and saw theirs in action, I remembered just how handy these guys are. So, just a couple days after we got home, I grabbed a Bed, Bath, and Beyond coupon and went on a quick mission. There were only a few to choose from, but I do think I got a great one. I love how the nozzle pivots, makes cleaning all the car seat yuckies so easy. I also use it for getting crumbs off the high chair tray and even the stove top. This is really a product that I've used almost daily since its purchase. Again, not a novel idea, but a thing that has sure made my life easier! Dustbuster
4. Ugg Snow Boots... despite living in Denver for five winters now, I did not own a pair of snow boots. (Yes, I do realize we get snow up to eight months of each year.) I have two two pair of rain boots, leather boots in brown and black, and even cowgirl boots, but when it comes to actual snow boots, I just hadn't really thought I needed them. Now that Carter is older, we spend much more time actually in the snow... sledding, playing, tubing, etc... and none of my other boots were doing the job of keeping my feet dry and warm. Since I had a credit for use at a large department store that doesn't have an actual location here in Denver, I went cyber shopping and found the perfect stylish (mine are a light blue, which doesn't seem to be available anymore) and functional snow boot. While I've never had a pair of Uggs before, I've certainly discovered why so many people love their cozy sheepskin lining. Now, I just need to get a winter coat... Ugg Snow Boots
5. Words with Friends... if you're a regular reader of my Favorite Things blogs, you may notice a trend in that I tend to get on the bandwagon of popular items at least a year after everyone else. Such is true with Words with Friends, the popular Scrabble-esque app. I love word games, love games in general, really, so it was only natural that I would be hooked on this from the get-go. I started playing in late January, which was perfect timing as my husband began traveling for work for several days each week in early February. I love getting into bed each night and catching up on my games, and it's a perfect waiting room time-killer. I have a couple competitors who are just. too. good. but I love the challenge! It's also fun learning new words and trying different strategies. Words with Friends
6. Honest Kids Juice Pouches... despite not being the greatest role model when it comes to eating a healthy diet, I really do try to provide my girls with an array of healthy and yummy food choices. I make an effort to comprise their plates of colorful fruits and vegetables and to limit treats for times when an actual treat is deserved. I'm not always great at this in all areas, but when it comes to beverage choices, I pretty much stick to my guns. Occasionally, I'll let Carter get a 'treat drink' like a Shirley Temple if we're at a restaurant, but overall, their sippy cups contain only milk or water. Because Carter's lunchbox can't be refrigerated at school, I was hesitant to put milk in there, even the milk boxes that are ok to leave out. (Would you want to drink lukewarm milk?) Juiceboxes didn't really seem like an option to me because of all the sugar (or even high fructose corn syrup) as well as the fake coloring. (I figure she gets enough of those items from her gummy bears!) I picked up a box of these Carpi-Sun-like pouches, and they have been a huge school-day hit. They come in five tasty varieties that are low in sugar, free of anything fake, and full of organic fruit juice. Honest Kids Juice Pouches
7. MAC Lip Gloss, Russian Red... over the years, I've read in countless women's magazines that any woman can wear the right shade of red lip stick. I always felt sure that any woman did not include this woman.  I just couldn't imagine that my fair complexion and subtle make-up application could pull off such a bold lip color. When I hit up our local MAC store, armed with my six used items to trade in a for one free item, I assumed I would pick up one of my usual faves or maybe a new eye color. So, when I walked out with a brand new tube of BRIGHT RED lip gloss, my choice had even shocked myself. Now, I don't carry this gloss in my purse or wear it every day, but the times I have pulled it out (usually for a date night) I have been pleasantly surprised to learn that even I can wear red! Mac Russian Red Lip Gloss

That completes my first list of 2012 of all the things that served to make life easier, cleaner, cuter, and more fun this season.

Healthy, Happy, and Humbled

Recently, for the third time since becoming a Mommy nearly four years ago, I found myself walking through the doors of The Children's Hospital. As the mother of two healthy children, I cannot think of a more harrowing and humbling experience. Each time I was at the hospital for routine tests for my children. I was aware that the simple nature of my appointment was likely the exception to the purpose of the other parents' visits.
The hospital is a cheerful place with some of the friendliest staff I've ever encountered. The gentlemen who parked our car in the valet lot greeted Murphy and me with a big smile... and asked if we'd be needing a wheelchair or a wagon. Those little red wagons... just thinking about them can bring a tear to my eyes. Classic Radio Flyer wagons have IV poles attached to them and are used to pull kiddos all around the campus. I felt a tinge of guilt in saying that we'd need neither.
The atrium of the hospital is colorful and lively both in decor and atmosphere; there's even a little ice cream shop and a kids' library. Children can be seen being pulled around in their little wagons licking from chocolate or vanilla scoops. This sight may resemble a playground on a spring day, if not for the child wearing a hospital gown and having a head bald from treatments.

I especially take notice of all the parents and caregivers who are accompanying the children. How many days of work has that mother had to miss? Does that father risk losing his job by spending so much time at the hospital? Does their insurance cover the bulk of the financial burden? Are there siblings at home who are sacrificing time with their parents because of their sick brother or sister? Does the sick child have any awareness or feel any guilt for how his or her illness affects the family? Are the parents ridden with fear and holding back tears? How does it feel to see your child in constant pain?
I have never made it as far as the radiology waiting room (that's where I've needed to take my girls on each of my trips) without my eyes welling up with tears. During my first visit when Carter was only about six weeks old, I remember holding her so close to me as if I thought some of these seriously ill children may be contagious.

Across this waiting room, I've met the eyes of other parents 

with an enormous sense of guilt for the health of my children. 

Following this most recent visit, Murphy and I waited outside the hospital for our car to be brought around. I noticed another mom who was also leaving the hospital with her son. She had a 'personal belongings' bag in her hand indicating to me that the little fella may have been in the hospital for a night or two. As I nuzzled my Murphy, still feeling quite emotional after our visit, I watched this mom talk loudly on her cell phone. Every minute or so, she'd look up to spot her son and then to yell at him to stop playing in the dirt. After about five minutes, a taxi pulled up; without ending her phone call, she prodded her little boy towards the car. Though he was probably no older than two, she pushed him up in the backseat of the cab with no car seat - or seatbelt for that matter. She climbed in beside him, and off they went.
The scene was so interesting to me because I was amazed at how another mom, with what seemed to be a relatively healthy child, could leave this place and not be impacted as I was. I would not describe her behavior as abusive in any way, just unaffected. I had a strong urge to stop her; to shake her; tell her to look around; tell her to hold that little boy so tightly; remind her of the reality of the lives of so many of the families who were surrounding us.
During the days that followed our visit, I found myself thinking about The Children's Hospital, the families who are in desperate need of its services, and the children who fortunately have a joyful place to be in spite of their physical calamities. I also thought about that mom with the little boy and the cell phone and the taxi.
As difficult as spending even one moment in that environment is, I feel grateful that it has impacted me so deeply during each visit. I am thankful for a tangible reminder that each of my girls is a perfect creation, and their health is an additional blessing that is too often taken for granted. During moments of frustration derived from petty sicknesses like ear infections and asthma attacks, I will try to pause and remember that every single day parents are faced with the reality that their children may not have another year, another month, another day. And with that reality, I'll strive to make the most of each of ours.

Healthy, happy girls.

Immensely loved by this humbled Mommy. 

Daughters Will Love Like You Do

In these Salad Days I often write about my life as a mommy. Despite its ups and downs and highs and lows, being a full time mommy to two fabulous little girlies is a job I wouldn't trade for anything. I realize that I am molding little girls into what will become big girls and young ladies and eventually women. Lots of websites and groups and blogs exist offering mommy-tips and tricks of the mommy-ing trade. But, oftentimes society neglects to take much note of the important role of the modern day daddy.

Having two little princesses, I have come to realize the great importance of my husband's role in our home. A (good) daddy will be the first male to ever make a little girl feel special, to make her feel loved, to make her feel pretty. A daddy will be her vision of a superhero and her refuge when boys are cruel or when she and mommy don't see eye to eye. And, as daddies go, my girls have the best of the best. He realizes his irreplaceable value in our home, and takes advantages of opportunities to create special memories with our girls. 

Though he's taken Carter on many 'dates' (Chili's is a favorite spot) the Father Daughter Dance at Carter's school provided the first opportunity for my sweet little Pookie to primp, put on her fanciest dress, and enjoy a night on the town with her favorite suitor. This evening, just before Valentine's Day, was incredibly sweet and heart-melting for this mommy.

Every princess must 

engage in pre-dance pampering!

Her fancy schmancy 

dress from the back.

One day, won't we revel at a time

when she stood this small?

Squeezing Daddy's lips 

as he requests a kiss.

Enough pictures, Mommy! 

I caught this tender moment 

as they headed out the door.

Little angel proudly displaying her

first corsage from the dance.

Wow. Just posting these pictures stirs a little emotion in me. I could burst with pride at the wonderful father my husband is. We may not always see eye to eye on Southpark or science fiction or the use of business terms in common conversation; and we may bicker about my silly neuroses; and I may laugh at his jokes less frequently than he would prefer. But, I will forever be in awe and feel the slightest twinge of envy for the daddy he is to our girls. 

Fathers be good to your daughters, 

Daughters will love like you do...

(Thank you, John Mayer, for that beautiful sentiment.)