Nineteen years ago, we were standing in my parent's kitchen - pink tile and dirty dishes. The house was empty and you leaned over to take a kiss from my lips. My first kiss. A few days later, I told my parents, "I'm dating Tim Sheaffer." Matter-of-fact. I don't remember there being a big discussion. […]
Anna leaned in close to my 6-year-old and whispered, "Do you have a super power? I do! Can you guess what it is?" She was perfectly in-character - sparkling eyes, a contagious and mischievous grin, and spunk for miles. My 6-year-old seriously pondered the question for a moment. "Caring?" She finally ventured. Anna was taken aback […]
Dear A~ I'm happy to say that I have savored your babyhood. I have taken the time to relish your laugh, your baby white-blonde curls, and your tiny, high-pitched voice (3-year-old voices really are THE BEST). I have held you during naptimes and let you sleep beside me in bed at night. As you always […]
Two of my three babies were born on the 13th. Friday, the 13th - to be exact. Ever since those momentous days, I've always said with a sideways smile that thirteen is my lucky number. In January, Tim and I celebrated 13 years of married happiness (not just marriage). We decided to spend the night […]
In the last season - when all of my babies were babies - I liked to keep things small. Even a 300-square-foot RV seemed cozy for that year on the road. It felt right to have everyone within whispering distance. Now, though, I watch my girls grow (8, 6, and 2 - it's hard to […]
Dear O, Whenever I think of you, my heart comes near to the bursting point with pride. You are an extraordinary little girl - both elegant and spunky, creative and careful. You adore the written language and pore over library books. On your own, you've read through stacks from our shelves - surprising us by […]