Blast from the Past

While visiting my mom during our girls weekend we spent one of our nights looking at some classic treasures. My mom still had this little box with her original barbie doll and some of the original dresses, outfits, and accessories. I remember her showing this to me as a little girl and admiring how fancy her barbie was compared to my newer barbies. It was a classic and I am so glad that she kept it. Another box from her closet had a couple of outfits I wore when I was a little girl. Also included in the box was a bonnett and a tiny dress my great grandmother made for me when I was a born. Two of the outfits really popped out at me. They were both bought in Japan when we lived there the first time. I was around 2 years old when I wore those outfits. My mom was happy to let me have the outfits so that I could put Abby in them. It seemed fitting to capture Abby in one of the outfits sitting on my old horse. I just love the dress on her. It was a little short but I guess that is how we used to wear them.

I don't remember being so sentimental as a child over such things. I guess I really didn't start caring about old things until after I had my own children. My mother saved my baby doll cradle made by my grandfather and my wicker rocking horse bought in Japan and given to me when I was 2 years old. Mike's mother saved his blessing outfit, his Peter Rabbit doll, and his rocking chair given to him by his great grandmother Emma with her signature still on the bottom. Mike's parents also had the tradition of getting sterling silver cups engraved for each of their children with their name and birthdate. That tradition carried on to our children and now each one of them have their own engraved silver cup. When talking with my mom and being so grateful that she had saved a few things she mentioned how she was sad she didn't save more. It made me start to think about what it is I want to save to pass down to each one of my children. I realized that the outfits she saved meant more to me because there were only a few. With the few things I have saved so far I have started a keepsake box for each of my children. Their keepsake boxes will only be filled with those few but special items they will want to remember. Hopefully someday I will be able to sit with each of my children and pour over those treasured items from their past.

Last Days of Fall

Too often these days we find ourselves stuck inside the house because it is either raining or just too cold outside. It makes me sad to see the girls looking out the window wishing they could be outside playing. Abby loves to be outside and will actually point and say "outside." Today the rain stopped long enough to go outside and enjoy the last signs of fall. All of the leaves in our backyard have finally fallen to the ground. The girls enjoyed playing in their playhouse and collecting leaves in their buckets and in piles on the ground. Even though we were only outside for a half an hour before the rain started I knew it was just what we all needed. Today was a good reminder to get out more often even if the weather isn't ideal. I guess it is finally the season to start bundling up!

Girls Weekend

I love my mother more than words can describe. She is more than just a mother to me though. She is also my best girlfriend, my sister, my confidant, my therapist, my confidence booster and my mentor. I can't ever recall a time when my mother wasn't there to help me with whatever I needed. The best thing she has done for me is to be a great example. I look to her and know she is exactly who I want to be. I was so fortunate to be able to go and spend the weekend with her without the kiddos. Mike was such a good man to watch all four kids over the weekend so I could go and have a much needed girls weekend with my mom to celebrate her birthday. We went shopping, ate at In-n-Out, ran our 4.5 mile loop up Santa Theresa Blvd in gorgeous weather, drove up to San Francisco to see Wicked, enjoyed a nice dinner and spent the evenings talking in our pajamas. It was the perfect weekend!

As an added bonus I also got to spend time with my dad who I love dearly as well. He even tried to race me up the hill when we were running. It was pretty close but I'm pretty sure he won. He keeps me on my toes and is one of the most brilliant people I know. I was so thrilled to be able to go to church with both of my parents before coming home. They are the greatest parents a daughter could ask for!

Tulips in November

I walked into the grocery store today and to my surprise there were TULIPS!!! I quickly grabbed a beautiful bunch of orange tulips and brought them home. I needed a little spring in my life with all the colder weather and shorter days. I love the fall season but I think springtime is actually my favorite. It's nice to have a little piece of spring in my house even if it is for such a short time.

The Letter T

Most days I try and encourage the kids to eat healthy snacks. Emma always seems to reach for the apples. Today as she was eating her apple she turned to me and said, "I made a T in my apple mom." Sure enough she had nibbled little bites until she formed the letter T. It was just too cute and clever to pass up so I quickly grabbed the camera. It's amazing how clever and creative kids can be. I live for these moments--thank you Emma for making me smile today!