architect

Yesterday in her kindergarten class Lauren decorated her own gingerbread house, and she loves it. She carried it home so carefully, two hands and her steady gaze on it the whole way. We found a place for it in the dining room.

Last night some friends had the girls over for a Christmas party and sent them home with Peep Christmas tree party favors. Ella asked for hers as soon as we were in the car. I asked Lauren if she wanted me to open hers and she said, "Actually, I'm not going to eat them." She didn't say another word until we got home and I found her very thoughtfully placing her three Peep trees outside of her house.

"That looks great," I told her.
"I know," she said, smiling.
"And I still have Audrey's package of Peeps, so when she eats those trees we have more to replace them."
She laughed, "Good idea!"
I watched her as she stood and admired it all for a minute or two, and then ran up to bed.

tickled by the ivories

Today as we were driving I told Ella that she'll have a piano recital in the Spring. "You'll get to play for all of the kids and the parents," I told her. "And not at your teacher's house -- at a special piano recital place, with a big piano."
"A grand piano?" she asked.
"Usually."
"Oh, man!" she yelled from the backseat, "Playing for an audience on a grand piano? That's the honor of a lifetime. And I'm just a kid!"

keepsake

It finally happened a month ago. Lauren's little-formerly-pink-raggedy-ball-of-yarn blankie that she took everywhere disappeared. We thought it would turn up like it has every time before, but it didn't. We would have checked the local lost-and-founds, but really, who would look at Blankie and see something that someone would claim? Only Lauren.

She's taken the disappearance pretty well. Much better than I imagined. So today it was funny when, while cleaning the girls' room, I heard Lauren say, "Hey, Mom. Remember when you said that one day my blankie would just be a string of yarn?" I turned around to see her holding a single, twisted strand. "Maybe this is it." She laughed.

We stuck the strand to the cork board for safe keeping. And maybe an occasional brush on the cheek, or a little sniff.

Post-edit: We did finally find Blankie weeks later, inside one of the backpacks the girls use for dressinig up. Since Lauren's already adopted a replacement that isn't falling apart, I put Blankie in our hope chest.

sugar plums

The girls have been wanting to see The Nutcracker for a couple of years now, so I decided this would be the year. I bought three tickets online today, for the girls and myself, since Kim said he didn't really care either way and could stay home with Audrey. On the way home from school I announced my plan.

"Girls! Guess what?"

"What?"

"Today I bought tickets for us to see . . . The Nutcracker!"

"Yeah!" They shouted for joy. I loved seeing the excitement on their faces, and hoped they wouldn't be too disappointed by what I would say next.

"So, I bought three tickets. One for each of you, and one for me." The celebration ceased.

"Hey!" Ella protested, "What about Dad?"

"He said he would stay home and watch Audrey," I explained. "We decided it was the best idea." It was quiet while the girls walked ahead of me and glanced at each other as if to decide which of them would break the news.

"Um, Mom?" Lauren began, "We really like you, but we see you all the time. We want to go with Dad." As I thought about how I should respond she very politely added, "But thanks for getting us the tickets."

Of course, I'm happy for the girls to go with Kim. It will be date night with Daddy, and it will be magical.

I couldn't have planned it better myself.

tuckered

For Audrey, today was an especially long day. We left at 9 a.m. for morning play group, then a doctor appointment, the girls' Halloween parade, her appointment to get her little cast off (during which she continued to dazzle her doctors with her absolute calm), a trip to the mall, picking up the girls from a friend's house, and a trip to Target. (I really dislike last-minute shopping for family pictures.) I was already feeling sorry for her when we finally walked back through the front door at 8:30. A few minutes later she came to me with her blanket and binkie: "Nap? My nap time?"

coral support

I ordered a new bag online recently -- a fun, coral-colored plaid canvas and leather tote that I thought would be perfect for Fall. Not my most practical purchase, but I'd admired it since I saw it at full price, and at 50% off I couldn't pass it up. When it arrived today, I debated if I should keep it and tossed it on the bed where Ella found it later.

I was getting ready in the bathroom when I heard Ella shriek, "Mom! This is awesome!" She came through the doorway holding the bag.

"You like it?" I asked.

"Yes! I love it!"

"You think I should keep it? It was kind of expensive."

"How much?"

"Almost $50."

"Totally."

"Really?"

"Yes, Mom! You can wear this for the whole Fall season!"

all tied up

Today the girls asked if they could play in the front yard. I said they could, and when I went outside to see how they were doing a few minutes later I found Audrey and Lauren sitting lazily on the flagstone. Around their waists were ropes tied to the wrought iron railings. Ella was weeding. "Your dogs are tied up, I see," I said to her. "Yeah," she said nonchalantly, "They were just getting a little out of control."

And there were Audrey and Lauren, just sitting, gazing off into the distance, looking as bored as any tied up dogs you've ever seen.

greens

As we sat at the dinner table Ella asked, "Mom, do you mind if I have some salad?"

"Of course not. What would you like?"

"I think I'll have some mixed greens," she said as she got up from the table, "and a dressing my choice." As she helped herself, she announced, "I want to eat a cup of green a day."

"That's great, Ella. Why?"

"So my toots don't stink so bad."

tables turned

Last night I got an email from one of the mothers of another student in Lauren's class. She asked if Lauren could join her daughter, Olivia, for a play date Friday after school. I accepted, and looked forward to sharing the news with Lauren.

There have been many times when Ella has been invited to play with a school friend and, naturally, Lauren hasn't been asked to join them. Most of those times there were tears, and hugs (and maybe a sweet, little something from my stash), as I reminded her that sometimes friends don't invite sisters who aren't their friends.

This morning I announced to Lauren, "Guess what? You have a play date on Friday with Olivia."

"I do?!" She could hardly believe it.

"Hey!" Ella protested. "Why don't I have a play date?"

Reflexively, Lauren said, "You can come, too, Ella."

"Actually," I interrupted, "Only you are invited, Lauren." I waited for her reaction.

"Only me?"

"Yes."

She actually gasped, and then I watched her little, round mouth turn up ever so slowly into an absolutely huge smile that spread across her entire face. It reminded me of the Grinch, except that it was really, really adorable. Ella wasn't swayed.

"I should be invited, too."

"Re-mem-ber, Ella," Lauren said, "Sometimes a friend doesn't invite a sister who isn't her friend."

things overheard while cleaning the bathrooms

Ella: "I get to clean our bathroom!"

Lauren: "No. I get to clean our bathroom."

Me: "You can clean my bathroom, Lauren."

Lauren: (inspecting the toilet) "Hmmm. The other one is dirtier. I want the dirty one."

Ella: "Mom, we're having a contest to see who can make their bathroom the cleanest. And you can't just say that they're both the same. You have to be the hardest judge in the world."

Me: "Ella, I think a half a bottle of Soft Scrub will be plenty for the sink."

Lauren: (squirting cleaner into the toilet): "Mmmmm, Minty! Look, Mom. I'm so good at cleaning the toilet! It's so . . . sparkly."

Me: "Audrey, you can stop cleaning the floor now. It's all done. Really. All done." She burst into tears.

Ella: "Mom, can I scrub the toilet by myself. Please?"

Me: "Lauren, could you bring me the Folex?"

Lauren, reappearing moments later, strikes a pose, ready to spray: "It's Folex here! On the job!"

Ella: "Everybody! Get off of my clean floor!"

Me: "Lauren, could you bring me a white trash bag?"

Lauren, holding it open as wide as possible: "I've got it! Look at me! I'm so strong."

Lauren: "I love cleaning the bathroom! Heeheehee . . ."

It would have been easier to do it myself, but I'm going to enjoy this while it lasts.

security

Today is the big day! Lauren's first school play date. She was clearly thinking about it, as she has all week, while eating her raisin bran this morning. "Mom," she said, "I really miss you when I'm at school. Maybe when you come to take Ella home I could give you a hug before I go with Olivia and her mom?"

When I met Lauren at the school doors I gave her a big hug, as requested. A few minutes later, Olivia's mom appeared to take the girls home to play. Lauren detached her backpack from her lunchbox and held it to her chest. "Lauren don't you want me to take your backpack, too?"

"No."

"Really? Why?"

She whispered back, "You know why." But I really didn't.

"Why?"

She motioned for me to bend over and whispered in my ear, "Blankie."

"Oh," I said, standing up again. "Let me help you put your backpack on." She smiled. And off she went.

the best books

I'm happy to say, I've got the girls loving Little House on the Prairie. They choose to watch it after school almost every day.

I'm even happier to say that Ella picked out the first book in the Little House series at the library this week. She asked the librarian if she could renew it next week, just in case it takes her too long to finish it. He reassured her that she could. And so, she embarked on it yesterday and announced (as she read in the car on the way to school this morning), "Mom, I'm already on page 37! This book is so big, I wasn't sure I could finish reading it. But now I can't stop! It's not like reading Judy Moody, or those other books. It's like really being there and watching the story. Ya know?"

I know!

tables turned

Last night I got an email from one of the mothers of another student in Lauren's class. She asked if Lauren could join her daughter, Olivia, for a play date Friday after school. I accepted, and looked forward to sharing the news with Lauren.

There have been many times when Ella has been invited to play with a school friend and, naturally, Lauren hasn't been asked to join them. Most of those times there were tears, and hugs, and maybe a sweet little something from my stash, as I reminded her that sometimes friends don't invite sisters who aren't their friends.

This morning I announced to Lauren, "Guess what? You have a play date on Friday with Olivia."

"I do?!" She could hardly believe it.

"Hey!" Ella protested. "Why don't I have a play date?"

Reflexively, Lauren said, "You can come, too, Ella."

"Actually," I interrupted, "Only you are invited, Lauren." I waited for her reaction.

"Only me?"

"Yes."

She actually gasped, and then I watched her little, round mouth turn up ever so slowly into an absolutely huge smile that spread across her entire face. It reminded me of the Grinch, except that it was really, really adorable. Ella wasn't swayed.

"I should be invited, too."

"Re-mem-ber, Ella," Lauren said, "Sometimes a friend doesn't invite a sister who isn't her friend."

big day

Today was the first day of school. I was happy for Ella to be starting second grade, but I'll admit it was a little bittersweet for Lauren to start kindergarten. I had all of the same feelings I'd had with Ella two years earlier. But, like Ella, she was ready. The girls ran ahead of us all the way to school.

Kim and I walked Ella to her locker first. We put her things away and I gave her a big hug. She asked me to kiss her hand, like in the book, The Kissing Hand. Kim gave her a fist bump and yelled after her as she walked to her classroom, "Rock the Casbah!" She smiled.

Next, we took Lauren to her locker. We put away her things, gave her hugs, I kissed her hand, and walked her to her classroom. She strode right in, sat down where she was told, and went to work coloring. She didn't look up when we tried to wave goodbye, which helped, actually.

I thought about the girls all day.

When I picked them up from school Lauren came out first. "How was your first day?" I asked.

"GREAT!" she replied, "I did NOT go to the principal's office. I stayed on green all day."

Way to go.

second annual

Tonight we had our Second Annual Back to School Dinner. I really struggled with the theme this year. After considering several options, I was still trying to come up with just the right one even as I set the table. When I realized I'd forgotten to pick up flowers for the centerpiece, I looked around for what I could use instead. I focused in on my white ceramic owl and it hit me -- Mosiah 4:27.

"And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order."

I put my owl on top of a Book of Mormon in the middle of the table, and used them during dinner to explain the theme to the girls. I'm not sure how much Lauren understood, since every time I asked her a question she asked, "Is the owl our clue?" But I'm sure the girls will come to understand the meaning of the scripture more throughout the year.

To be honest, I think this year's theme is as much for me as for them. It will be a good reminder for me as I work each day -- sometimes against considerable resistance -- to help the girls learn the value of daily scripture study, family prayer, jobs, homework and (new this year) piano practice. If we are diligent, it will all be worth the effort.

voice of reason

I took the girls to the mall to return a few things. With Lauren and Audrey in the stroller and Ella trotting alongside we'd be in and out in no time.

I entered the mall through Nordstrom only to discover it was the Half-Yearly Sale. Overflowing racks of discounted shoes beckoned. "Girls," I said, "Let's just look here a minute." I steered the stroller to the end of the 7 aisle for a quick look.

"You don't need any shoes," Lauren said, flatly. "You already have shoes, you don't need any more shoes, and you're not here to buy shoes." It was quiet, then two ladies in separate aisles burst out laughing.

The one closest to me said, "Sounds like your husband has her trained."

so me

A few weeks ago, Ella asked, "Mom, do you have a 'mini me'?"

"No. Do you want to be my mini me?

"Yes."

"Great. You're it."

I shouldn't have been surprised when we were shopping recently and Ella picked out, among all of the fun printed shirts in the girls' department, a plain, cap-sleeved, green T-shirt. "Look, Mom. Isn't this awesome?"

"Looks a little plain to me. Are you sure you like it?"

"Yes! Look, Mom! It's exactly like the ones you wear." True enough.

When we got home she disappeared into her room. She came out a few minutes later wearing her new t-shirt, jeans and flip flops. She saw me smiling at her, and even though she tried to play it cool a little smile escaped before she scurried downstairs.

good clean fun

A couple of weeks ago, I gave Ella and Lauren the tutorial on how to clean a bathroom. Today Ella asked me, "Can I clean the bathroom? Please? All by myself?"

"Sure," I told her, quite happily.

"I know where all the things are! I can do it!" She scrambled up the stairs.

When I went to check on her she was wearing my ipod and scrubbing the toilet.

"This is awesome!" she yelled above the music in her ears. "I always thought cleaning bathrooms would be really boring, but now that I know how to do it, it's really fun! Can this be my job every week?"

"Yes!"

"Thanks, Mom!"

baby talk? yes, please!

I just have to say, Audrey's baby talk was truly worth waiting for.

If you ask her if she wants something and she declines she'll say, "No shank shoo." I know! Adorable, right?

She might say, "Nope," which is just funny, and she knows it. You can tell because when she says it she's usually looking down, and then just her eyes glance up at you and she gets a silly grin on her face.

And if she does want something, she'll yell, "Yup!" and she smiles, and her eyes get all happy, and she might even stomp her feet a little because she can't just stand there being that happy.

Sometimes we have to do some guessing to find out what she wants and when we guess correctly she does a shocked little gasp. Then she exhales, "Yeah!" and then giggles with glee until the thing she's after is delivered into her grasp.

Sometimes my day does seem like an endless game of 20 questions, but I must admit that, lately, I'm quite enjoying it.

those eyes

Since we recently decided to go with some friends to the beach next week, it turns out Lauren will celebrate her birthday while we're there. At this late date, and with so many other things to do, party supply shopping required swift action. I decided to order online from my favorite cheap party supply shop -- Oriental Trading. (This is where Kim would type, "I love China.")

To fulfill Lauren's wish for a puppy-themed party, I selected dog noses, dog-shaped tubs of silly putty, and bone-shaped candies. As I finished shopping, Lauren came and cuddled next to me on the couch. "Is this for my birthday?" she asked, wide-eyed.

"Yes, "I said. "What do think?"

"Oh, thank you, Mom!" She gave me a squeeze. "You're spending a lot of time on the computer for my birthday, aren't you, Mom?" She felt so special. And then, in a way only Lauren can, she said, "Mom, thank you for spending a lot of time on the computer for my birthday."

"You're welcome, sweetheart."

I had barely uttered the words when I surveyed my shipping options and realized that to get the party supplies to the beach in time for Lauren's birthday would require an extra $20 charge, more than my total purchase. No way. I've never. Plan B. And then I looked at Lauren and her always grateful, big, dark, puppy dog eyes.

The box will arrive on Tuesday.

play imitates life

I peeked downstairs to check on the girls and there they were, all three of them happily playing together with the car rug they've had for years, running their cars along the roads and stopping at various shops along the way. What imaginations! It was a happy moment for me to consider that I must be doing something right. And then I heard Lauren's voice, "Thank you for your order! Next window, please."

break me into tiny pieces you will

Today Lauren announced, "Ella, guess what! My birthday party is going to be Hello Kitty. And I'm going to have a regular burro pinata!" This was news to me, and confusing to Ella.

"Why would you have a burro if your party is Hello Kitty?" she asked.

"Because Mom said sometimes it's sad to use a bat to hit a character from a show you really like." I remembered saying that once. Maybe a year ago. And, apparently, Lauren had been listening. Ella remained unconvinced that a "regular burro" was the way to go.

"I know!" Lauren said. "I think at the place where we buy balloons they have a Yoda!" She shrugged, "That could work."

entrepreneurial spirit

Something about summer brings out the lemonade stand in us all.

At our house we've seen two new businesses set up in as many days.

Yesterday, Ella handed out coupons for "Free mosojis and Jello." She would have been busier, but her target market was at work.

Today, it was a blanket fort in the living room with a sign:

"Welcome to hotel Moore!

Free Books and Reading"

The hotel was hugely popular, and since it's heavily subsidized by a parent company, it will reopen tomorrow.

Its proprietors are thrilled.

nepotism

Today Lauren said to me, "Mom, I'm so glad we have you. You know why?" I melted a little.

"Why?"

"Because we have Grandma and Grandpa because they're your mom and dad."

i hear you

I let the girls spend a few extra minutes in the shower while I tidied up the bathroom, and overheard Ella say, "When I grow up, I want to be a mom. Do you, Lauren?"

"No!" Lauren fired back. "I don't want to have any babies. I just want to have a job -- not work."

summer

I was shampooing Ella's hair when she said, "Mom, I wish we had a house with a yard. And then every day in the summer would go like this: We wake up and go outside and play. And then we have breakfast. And then we go outside and play. And then we have lunch. And then we go outside and play. And then we have dinner. And then we go outside and play. And then we have baths. And then we go outside and play. And then we go to bed."

I thought about how great it would be, and made a wish. "Me, too."

red letter day

I put Ella in time out for something. I can't even remember now. And awhile later, after the whole thing was forgotten (obviously), I found an envelope on my bed. It read,

To: Mom

From: ?

Intrigued, I opened it:

I have besitib to run away! if you reeb it I will be at Talor. I have pakte my thins.

Love,

Ella

She's so cute when she's angry.

I carried the note to Ella and asked her for some clarification on the misspelled words. She smirked. "Sometimes when I'm frustrated I write things."

"I know," I told her. "But next time, maybe you could just say, 'Mom, I feel frustrated.'"

"Okay."

body language

I could hear Audrey awake in her room, so I opened the door and gave her my usual greeting,"Well, hello! How was your nap?"

I heard a little toot.

"Uh-oh!" I laughed, then, in my ongoing effort to help her expand her small vocabulary, asked her, "Can you say 'toot'?" She was holding onto the railing, and concentrating. I heard it again: Toot.

Was this really her reply? Hilarious. I asked her again, "Can you say, 'toot'?" She smiled.

Toot.

I laughed. She laughed.

I tried to clarify, "Can you use your words to say 'toot'?"

Toot.

We laughed together.

I love this (mostly) quiet little girl.

art lesson

Several days ago, as we were planning Ella's art-themed birthday party, I suggested we play "Pin the Ear on van Gogh." This, of course, led to 1. the explanation of how a famous artist named Vincent van Gogh had gone mad and cut off his own ear, and 2. the quick realization that this game was wholly inappropriate for a party of 7-year-old girls.

Today we're watching our friends' daughter, Olivia, and this morning she and Lauren were playing with art supplies. As Olivia pulled out the scissors, I took note of her long, blond tresses, imagined explaining a new haircut to her mom, and quickly suggested that we not play with those today.

"Why?" Olivia asked.

"Because we wouldn't want anyone to cut themselves," I explained.

"Yeah," Lauren said, her eyes wide, "because one time, an artist cut off his ear and sent it to someone in a box. Right, Mom?"

I cringed. "Right."

sympathy

I was washing some chicken to cook for dinner when Lauren came and stood next to me.

"What animal is that made of?" she asked.

"Chicken."

"Chicken? Ohhh, that's so sad that we have to kill the chickens, Mom."

"I know," I told her. I wondered if I should say the next thing that came to mind, and then said it anyway. "But aren't they delicious?"

"Yes. But it's so sad for us to kill them, Mom. And," she paused, "it's sad for the chickens."

basic math

I was discussing fractions with Ella when Lauren piped up, "I know what's smaller than a whole!"

"What?" Ella asked.

Lauren smirked and triumphantly raised one finger, "A mouse."

comforter

For my Sharing Time lesson on the Holy Ghost today I collected several props from home. I thought about taking Lauren's blanket as an example of how the Holy Ghost can be a comforter. I asked for her permission, and she excitedly agreed.

During Junior Primary Sharing Time, I held up her blanket and talked about all of the comfort it has given. Everyone laughed. (Later, the Senior Primary was equally amused, guessing that it was a scarf, a torn up towel, and finally, yarn.) I kept my attention focused on teaching the group, but found out later that Lauren's eyes had filled with tears amidst the laughter. I felt terrible, and asked her about it afterward. She frowned, but didn't have anything to say. As we pulled into the driveway, she said, "At least Annie didn't laugh, because she's my friend."

"I'm really sorry your feelings were hurt today, Lauren," I told her.

"Mom," Ella said, "Maybe you should have taken a different blanket. Then Lauren wouldn't have been embarrassed."

Lauren agreed. "Yeah, and then Blankie wouldn't have been embarrassed either."

Ella replied instantly, "Lauren! Blankie doesn't have a mind."

"Oh, yeah? This is her mind," Lauren said, pointing to a giant knot. "And this is her other mind," she said pointing to another. "One thinks about unicorns . . . and the other one thinks about embarrassing things."

quiet, please

Audrey is always learning new tricks, but I especially love her newest one. She puts one pudgy finger to her lips and says, "Shhhhhhh!"

She does it when the girls are being too loud in the car, or at the dinner table, or when they're fighting. I could just kiss her. And sometimes I do.

Tonight, I was snuggling her and humming "I Am a Child of God," just getting ready to tuck her in bed, when the girls came into their room from brushing their teeth, talking and laughing. Audrey raised her tired head from my shoulder and shot them a look. She shifted her furry blanket from one hand to the other, then raised her finger to her binky. "Shhhhh!"

Of course, Ella and Lauren found her hilarious, so it didn't help much. But I have to say, I really think Audrey and her new trick are creating a little more peace and quiet around here.

We love our little librarian.

Ella M.

Lauren and Audrey and I went had lunch with Ella at school today. As soon as we sat down, she politely introduced us to her friends at the table: Isabella, Olivia C., Madeline, Lily, and Olivia D. It was fun to watch her in her element, chattering away and making her friends laugh. I watched her among all of those darling girls and thought to myself, She is so amazing, this little girl of mine, my Ella M.

mother's day

I read once that the best way to appreciate the simplest of moments with your children is to travel in a time machine. You imagine yourself traveling forward twenty years, and then imagine that you're given the chance to travel back to the moment you are in.

Tonight Lauren fell asleep on the couch. I meant to just scoop her up and carry her to bed, but she snuggled right into me so perfectly that I sat down where she had been instead. I wrapped my arms around her, and pulled a blanket around us both. I held her head, still damp from the bath, against my cheek. She smelled perfect. I listened to her breath, so steady and peaceful. The day's list of things to do faded from my mind.

I traveled in the time machine, and back.

And without any warning whatsoever, I burst into tears. I was overcome by the thought of that sweet reunion, and then, the realization of how I will long for it, but will have no time machine to get me there -- right here, where I am now.

The words of Marjorie Hinckley came to my mind: "Don't wish away your years of caring for young children. This is your great day."

Indeed.

xoxo

I finished writing my mother's day card for Mom, then looked at Lauren. She'd been waiting for me in the passenger seat quite patiently, I realized, for something to do. "Wanna put some extra love on this card for Grandma?"

"Yes!"

"Here," I said. "Add your best x's and o's on the back."

"Oh!" she said, thrilled. "Okay! I will!" She scrawled one row, and then another, until the entire back of the card was covered. "See how much I love Grandma?" she asked.

"Yes," I said. "She's going to love all those hugs and kisses from you." She smiled.

"Mom, I love Grandma and Grandpa as much as I love you and Daddy!"

lioness

As we drove home, Ella announced, "Mom, there's lice at my school again. There's a paper for you to read about it in my backpack and, I'm sorry to tell you this: You're going to have to check my HUGE MANE!"

sequel

Ella recently published a second book in her language arts class. This time she opted for an autobiography. Here's the text (with a little commentary):

All About Ella

Written and illustrated by Ella Moore

This book is dedicated to my famly and pets of the footur

My Personality

I am active because I sleep in and have lots of energy. I like gymnastics because it is fun. My favorite sport is soccer. (Ella has never slept past 7 a.m. a day in her life. She has also never once tried gymnastics. In defense of her choice, she said, "I can almost do a headstand!")

My Favorite Food

My favorite foods are watermelon, pasta, and soup. I could go on for hours and hours because I love food. (Her stick figure self-portrait is standing at a watermelon, pasta and soup buffet next to a thought bubble that reads, "I see food!")

My Dad

I love my dad. He is so excellent and loving! I love him a lot because he is the best. He gives me horsey back rides all around the basement. (Ella skipped this page when reading it to her class because it was, without question, "too embarrassing.")

My Sister

I like my sister Lauren. She is four and will turn five on August 27th. Sometimes she is mean, but I still love her. She is my best friend. (Audrey, it turns out, "isn't very interesting to write about.")

My Mom

My mom is fun and also funny. She makes the best lasagna! I love her because she is nice to me.

My Grandma and Grandpa

My grandma loves cooking with me. My grandpa loves fishing with me, but I never catch one. I love them!

My Birthday

I love my birthday because it is in the last full week of school. My birthday is June 12th and it is on a Saturday this year.

Why I Love Being Me

I love being me because I have a home and kind teachers and parents. I have great friends who are so nice to me. I love being me!

A literary masterpiece! I hope I can get my copy autographed.

busy b

For Audrey, saying "b" means a lot of things. Most of the time I have no idea what she's talking about.

Imagine my surprise, then, when Audrey came running into the kitchen yelling, "B! B! B!" then extended her little fist and dropped into my outstretched hand . . . a dead bee.

Nicely done.

sorry, kim . . .

This one will make you sad.

Lauren recently said to me, "Mom, church day is my favorite day."

"Really?" I asked, thrilled at the thought of her growing love of the gospel.

"Yep," she said. "It's the only day I get to see Daddy when I'm not sleeping in my bed."

Tonight during dinner Lauren burst into tears. "I wish Daddy was here for di-i-i-nner!"

I tried to console her, then carried a few dishes into the kitchen. When I came back she had gone into the living room and returned with a framed picture of Kim kissing her cheek. She arranged it next to her plate, then ate a few more peas.

We'll all be glad when these long days apart are behind us.

Update: After dinner it was bath time. I started the water, then turned around to see Lauren holding the picture. "Can we put this on the toilet?"

apology

Ella told a lie. So, I sent her to her room. When she emerged, she handed me a torn out piece of notebook paper with a note written in her jaunty script:

I know it is not good to lie because it can make you sab. I am going to tell the trooth so that you are not sad and I will be not be sad. I am vary vary vary vary vary sory. I even sed a prar to help me pul throu.

green

As we drove past the country club today, Ella said, "Mom, you see that beautiful golf course?"

"Yes."

"Dad said one day I can play a Ladies Masters Tournament on a course just like it. I don't know about that. But," she said dreamily, "to wear a green a jacket . . . that would be an honor."

show & tell the truth

It was my turn to co-op at preschool again today, during -- you guessed it -- "U Week." Lauren knew exactly what she was taking for show & tell.

When the time arrived, Lauren (once again) trotted to her cubby. She produced her unicorn, then stood next to Ms. Lynn, who said, "Ohhh, Lauren. How perfect for 'U Week'! What a beautiful unicorn. Does she have a name?" I held my breath.

"Jewely." I waited.

"Jewely! Wonderful." And then Lauren (once again) paraded Jewely in front of her little friends, who took turns stroking her soft mane and golden horn.

That was it.

Later, as we walked to school to pick up Ella, I said, "Lauren, remember the last time you took your unicorn to show & tell? You told everyone that her name was Louise. Then today you told them it was Jewely. I think it's kind of funny that no one said anything about it."

She shrugged, "I guess they just rec'anized that I have two unicorns."

dream big

Ella is a truly wonderful big sister. She's always thoughtful, sweet as can be. She loves to play and read books with her sisters. She's a happy helper, and a great example. She's a willing teacher, and remarkably patient. But still, sometimes, Ella's little sisters really get on her nerves.

It happened recently, when Lauren and Audrey both (but especially Lauren) had pestered and provoked Ella all day. At some point, bless her heart, she'd had enough and came to me crying.

"Mom!" she sobbed, "I wish I didn't even have little sisters! I wish I just had one BIG sister who was in the fifth grade. That's my DREAM! And it will NEVER . . . COME . . . TRUE!"

lucky

Ella brought home a classroom assignment that required the children to finish the sentence, "I'm lucky because . . . "

She wrote, "I'm lucky because I have a home and a scool and a bed and food and a famly!!!"

A lucky little girl, indeed.

twilight

This post has nothing to do with handsome vampires. So sorry. But it is supernatural.

It was about 7:00 when I decided to sit on the sofa and check email and such for a few minutes between dinner and getting the girls ready for bed. Not long afterward, Lauren came and laid her sweet head on my lap. And now, just a few minutes later, she is sound asleep. Snoring, in fact. This is not unusual for Lauren who, on almost a daily basis, demonstrates her impressive ability to fall asleep nearly anywhere at any time. The thought just now occurs to me that she may have narcolepsy. Or maybe she just takes after her father. But I digress.

What is truly amazing about what has just happened is that when I looked down to see Lauren asleep, I noticed Audrey. As I type this, she's lying on the living room floor with her head on a pillow. She's clutching her furry blanket, and her binky is bobbing. She's sound asleep.

I'm not sure what's going on here. But I like it.

Ella is out on the front steps enjoying the last rays of this balmy day and (what else) reading. I think it's time to tell her she's out of daylight.

play date

Ella informed me, "My friend Kylie asked me if I wanted to have a play date Friday or Saturday."

"What did you say?"

"I just said, 'Nah.'" I was horrified.

"Ella, think how you would feel if you invited someone to play and they said that to you. Why would you do that?"

"Well," she whined, "I have Olivia's birthday party on Friday."

"And what about Saturday?"

"Saturday I'm reading."

"Reading?"

"Yes."

"All day?"

She hesitated. "Yes?"

"Honey, you can't read all day." She burst into tears.

"But all I want to do is read! READ, READ, READ."

I decided to finish the conversation another time.

Ella brought it up at dinner. "Mom, I don't think you would want me to have a play date with Kylie if you saw her."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because sometimes she wears a pink bandana on her head, and it has a BLACK SKULL and CROSSBONES!" She winced. "I can hardly stand to look at it. AND," she continued, "she has BIKINIS. I don't even like the way it sounds when I say the word . . . bikini."

Lauren stopped pushing the food around her plate to look at me and whisper her agreement, "Neither do I."

So, we had a little chat about how friends might sometimes dress differently than we do, but are still good people.

And we talked about fun things to do with Kylie when she comes over for a play date.

a tribute

This is a tribute to Kim's Aunt Jan (and mine), who died early this morning. She was a wonderful person. Her family, though small, was everything to her. She loved to laugh, especially at herself, and she had a way of making everyone around her feel better about themselves. I'm sure she thought more of Kim and I than we deserve. I had the feeling all day that if I wasn't careful, and lost my temper or something, Aunt Jan would realize her mistake.

I'd been writing The Kitchen Notebook for a few months when I decided Aunt Jan might enjoy it, and sent her the link. Within hours, I got this reply:

Linds, I was reading your blog while eating my lunch [Note to self: do not eat while reading Lindsay's blog. Salad dressing is hard to get off the monitor.] You have to publish that stuff. I loved the titles as much as the content. I must say, I am concerned about your children's lack of vocabulary--cauliflower, persevere--honestly now. Do I catch a little Scottish in their speech? I hope your parents can still fly free because if I were them, I'd be on an airplane every week. I miss you all so much that I went over my lunch time so I could read the entire blog, alternating laughing out loud and crying. It was like a time machine in reverse, and I loved it all. You are doing such a good job as a "Mama." No one is perfect, but you're getting pretty close.

You see what I mean.

When we called her last night, after being informed that she only had hours left, one of the first things she said was, "I don't know what I'll do without The Kitchen Notebook."

"Maybe they'll let you read it," I sobbed. We laughed together.

"Maybe they will."

Or maybe she'll just get to see it in real time, imperfections and all.

We love you, Aunt Jan.

hopping trip

I was headed out to run some Saturday errands when Ella said, "When you get back, tell me if you saw the Easter Bunny."

"Why would I see the Easter Bunny while I'm shopping?"

"He always leaves the price tags on everything," she said, "Even the Peeps!"

spring break

April 1st and 80 glorious degrees. It was one of those days you have to make the most of. And we did.

We started at 10:30 with an egg hunt at a friend's house. Brunch buffet, a pack of preschool friends, friendly parents, green grass, singing birds and sunshine. Oh, and a field full of hidden eggs filled with candy. Could it get any better than this? We intended to find out.

At noon it was on to Parkhurst Park to meet up with three friends and their combined total of 10 kids for a picnic lunch and an afternoon of lazy fun. The park was just improved and now features a big gazebo with picnic tables, a climbing wall, and a rope walk. But all of that may have been invisible to the girls and their friends. They spent our entire four hours there playing in two natural sand areas that feature old-fashioned water pumps. Moat digging, dam building and sand castle construction kept everyone happy as could be.

As the afternoon drew to a close, I decided to let Ella in on the rest of our plan. "I didn't tell you about it before now," I said, "but you know the author who wrote When You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and When You Give a Moose a Muffin, and all of those books?"

"Yes," she said.

"Well," I told her, "She's coming to our neighborhood today and she wants to read you her new book." Ella squealed, put both hands to her mouth, danced a little, then ran to tell the others.

I changed the girls into clean, dry clothes and piled them into the car. We were surprised to arrive at the book reading and discover it was also a giveaway. Each of the children got their own copy of Laura Numeroff's new book, "The Jellybeans and the Big Book Bonanza." She read it, and then signed each book to each child individually. She told us how she came from a family of three little girls, and that it was nice to meet us and remember how fun it was growing up. Ella beamed.

Since it was already dinner time, I decided to stop and get happy meals. Oh, the celebration. On the way home, Ella informed me, "This was my best day ever!" Then added, "And you're the best Mom ever!"

"You are!" Lauren chimed. "The best mom ever!"

"Thanks, girls," I told them,"I try."

Before we ate our dinner on the screened porch, Lauren offered to say the blessing. Right in the middle of it, Ella leaned over to her and whispered, "And thank you for the absolutely, positively best mom ever."

I think it was one of my best days ever, too.

parched

The afternoon took an unexpected turn that resulted in a five-minute errand becoming a two hour errand. We spent most of the time waiting at a playground and Barnes & Noble. I needed a vocabulary book for Audrey, and thought it would be fun for the girls to pick out some reading material for Spring Break.

I was helping the girls assess their options when I turned around and saw Audrey standing next to an overflowing trash can, and happily sucking down the last of a Starbucks vanilla chai. She seemed unfazed when I took it away and scolded her a little. She apparently only had one thing on her mind, because not two minutes later a child's nanny pointed to Audrey and asked if we happened to have a sippy cup of water identical to theirs.

Bless her thirsty, little heart.

holy rollers

Sure, it was Sunday. But it also happened to be one of the prettiest days of the year so far. And Mom and Dad were visiting. And besides, we all needed some fresh air. So, we decided today would be the day -- the day that Ella learned how to ride a bike.

She's been ready for such a long time. We just rarely go for bike rides in our roller coaster neighborhood. For her maiden ride we chose the level basketball court and slightly more forgiving baseball field at Taylor, her elementary school.

As we arrived, I shouted to her across the field, "This is the day, Ella! You're going to ride your bike!" She didn't seem convinced.

We took off the training wheels, then strapped on her helmet. And knee pads. And elbow pads. And wrist braces. And then it was time for Kim to do what all dads have done since bike riding began. He held the back of her seat as she peddled her pink cruiser slowly and cautiously, then faster and more steadily, until it was time.

He let go. And she kept going. And going. Just like that.

She had a pretty good run, then stopped pedaling and fell over. She repeated the predictable sequence a few times, smiling occasionally but generally pretending it was, as she would say, "easy peasy lemon squeezy." After a couple of hard falls, she'd had enough and needed a break.

While Ella sipped water from her sports bottle, we watched Lauren proudly ride her purple bmx (with training wheels) around and around the basketball court. She reminded us then, and several times later, that she was really the best bike rider, because she wasn't falling over.

And then it was time for one more triumphant ride across the field to the car so that Ella could end the day with a happy memory. And she did.

Way to go, Ella. I knew you could do it.

wants and needs

For a recent school assignment, Ella was asked to list her wants in one column and her needs in another. Under the wants, she wrote: calinr (calendar), dog, fish, game. Under the needs: air, food, medsin (medicine), blud, book.

track star

The girls and I reviewed their county sport program options. I suggested youth track and field, with Saturday morning practices and a regional competition. Ella was with me right up until "competition."

"I don't like competition," she complained. "I'm not fast! When I'm 'it' I can never catch anybody!" She frowned, "I'm a slowpoke."

Lauren put her arm around her sister and pulled their heads together. "It's okay, Ella," she said, in a soft, consoling voice well beyond her years. "You're not the only one. I'm a slowpoke, too."

Then she smiled, and shot me a little sideways look to see if I was proud of her.

I was.

sweet deal

Today, while making Ella's bed, Lauren and I found her note to the tooth fairy, still waiting under her pillow days later.

"Ella is still waiting for the tooth fairy to give her money for the tooth she swallowed," Lauren explained. "I told her when I lose my first tooth she can have it to put under her pillow and she said, 'Deal.'"

"That doesn't seem like a very good deal for you, Lauren," I said. "Don't you want the tooth fairy to give you money for your first tooth?"

"Aw, c'mon," she said, "I'll have another tooth wiggling."

sidewalk kill

On the way to pick up Ella from school today I almost stepped on something. It was a rat. A dead rat that had been recently reduced to bones and fur, most distinguishable by its nose, feet and tail. I was disturbed.

"What do you think of that?" I asked Lauren.

She stared at the carcass. "Totally. Not. Awesome."

keeper

Ella does a lot of writing assignments at school. I try not to keep too many of them, but this one will be tucked away:

I love my mom becaus she is so niyse to me! Whe? Becus she snugls with me and she give's me hug's and kisis. I Love her vare much!!!

That'll keep me going for awhile.

fall out

Yesterday morning Ella rushed into our bedroom and announced that she'd lost her second tooth during the night. And swallowed it. "Will I still get money from the tooth fairy?"

"I think so," I said. "Just leave her a note."

This morning Ella rushed into our bedroom again and held out a brown piece of paper scrawled with yellow crayon. It read:

Dear tooth fary, I swalod my tooth. Love, Ella

I lowered the paper to find Ella staring at me with heavy brows. "I left a note for the tooth fairy and I didn't get any money."

"Strange," I said, as nonchalantly as I could. "Maybe you should put it under your pillow again tonight and see what happens." She took back the note and left the room.

A moment later she was back, hands on hips. "Mom," she declared, "I know who the tooth fairy is, and the tooth fairy is YOU."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because Steffi swallowed her tooth, and she did a test and put a secret note under her pillow and she didn't get any money. And I tested YOU and I didn't get any money either."

It was over. I gave up gracefully.

"Well, you figured it out, Ella," I congratulated her. "Just don't go talking about it on the playground. The other kids need to figure it for themselves." Unfortunately for Lauren, who had witnessed the whole thing, Ella had figured it out for her, too.

Post-edit: Today when the subject came up Lauren said matter-of-factly, "Well, the Tooth Fairy heard what Ella said, so she isn't bringing her any money." She shrugged. "You have to believe."

motivation

For some Saturday fun, we decided to take the girls to the brand-spanking new indoor pool at a nearby high school. I reluctantly donned my swimsuit for the first time in months, and had just decided to set aside my insecurities and have a good time when Ella and Lauren walked into the room.

"WOW," Ella said. "Your swimsuit looks great."

"Really great, Mom!" Lauren said, then added, "But it looks like maybe it's hurting you a little bit on your legs and your armpits." She winced a little out of sympathy. "And you sure have really big leg muscles, Mom." She poked at my thigh with one finger. "Hmm. I almost think it's like a rhinoceros."

life imitates art

A few months ago, Ella read a chapter book featuring a small, furry and fictional pet that, when distressed, makes the sound, "Meep!" Lo and behold, now when I catch Ella making a mess, deliberately disobeying, or distracted from something she should be doing, she emits a quiet, "Meep." It seems to be such a reflex, it is hilarious. But you won't see me smiling! At least, not when she can see me.

wiped

Last night I gave the girls a little review of bathroom etiquette. As I helped Lauren wipe herself with the proper technique, I heard Ella say, "It's really hard, Lauren. That's why I haven't done it in years!"

how do I love thee?

This year I decided to start celebrating Valentine's Day on February 1st. Every night before I bed I told the girls one thing I loved about them. I was surprised they didn't always appreciate my selection ("I think Lauren's was better than mine," or, "Why did you say that?"), but I enjoyed it. And I think they felt the love.

This is the complete list for each of them:

Ella, I love . . .

1. that you're such a good helper

2. your beautiful hair

3. that you're a wonderful big sister

4. that you're such a good reader

5. your style

6. the sweet cards you make for people

7. the excited way you talk when you're telling a story

8. that you do your best in school

9. your optimism

10. your big hugs and kisses

11. your smile

12. that you're a great golfer

13. your gorgeous eyes

14. that you're always so much fun

Lauren, I love . . .

1. your little laugh

2. that you always say thank you

3. your sparkly eyes

4. how you share

5. that you are so brave

6. that you say such wonderful prayers

7. your spunk

8. your cute bum

9. the way you think about other people's feelings

10. your sneaky look

11. how when you're not sure of something, you say it and then ask, "Right, Mom?"

12. the way you fall asleep anywhere

13. your dimple

14. that you say "I love you" so many times, every single day

Audrey, I love . . .

1. your chunky thighs

2. your little ponies

3. the way you scrunch up your nose when you laugh

4. that you're such a great sleeper

5. that you love books

6. when you put your head on my shoulder

7. that you can keep up with your sisters

8. the way you make a "mmmmm-wah" noise with your kisses

9. hearing you sing to yourself

10. the way you laugh when you get exactly what you wanted

11. your rosey cheeks

12. the way you always look like you're about to tip over when you walk

13. the way you say "mama"

14. your stink eye

xo

lullaby

Audrey is always happy to go to sleep. Bedtime usually goes something like this:

I give her a binky and her furry blanket.

I give her a kiss and say, "Night, night. I love you."

I lay her in her crib, and watch her snuggle her blanket around the sides of her face.

I walk to the door and, just about the time I reach for the knob, I hear a tired, little sigh.

I close the door and watch her through the keyhole (sometimes I do love old houses) as she strokes and pats her blanket, then drifts off to sleep.

It's that easy.

Too easy.

And so, I'm sad to say, I haven't always given Audrey the love and attention that I gave the other girls at bedtime. I resolved this week to change. Now I hold her in my arms, and she puts her tired head on my shoulder, and I hum "I Am a Child of God" in her ear. And she hums back.

It's the sweetest, most meandering melody you have ever heard.

Sometimes she keeps humming to herself as I kiss her and say, "Night, night, I love you," and lay her in bed, and walk to the door, and hear her sigh . . . and listen to her lullaby through the keyhole.

cover girl

We've been snowed in lately, so we've kept extra blankets and pillows around just for fun. No one loves them more than Audrey.

If she wants to sit with you and read a book, she'll bring you the book, and then pull and tug on a big, fleecy blanket with all her might until she gets it to your feet. Then she climbs onto the couch, plops herself on your lap, and reaches past your knees. You pull the blanket up over your knees and her feet, and fold it down over her chest. She sighs and puts her hands on her lap, and then -- and only then -- is she ready to read.

She loves to read! Her favorites are Where is Baby's Mommy? and I Love You Through and Through. Five times each. Or else.

lindsays

Today as we were sledding Ella looked at me and said, obviously quite impressed, "Mom, when you're wearing your snow clothes you look like one of the famous skiers. And I think her name is Lindsay!"

"Lindsay Vonn?"

"Yes! Lindsay Vonn."

"Thanks, Ella."

Made my day. Who doesn't love to be told they look like an olympic athlete -- ski pants, parka, hat, dark glasses and all?

comediennes

Tonight at dinner Lauren began, "Knock, knock." I decided to oblige her.

"Who's there?"

"Interrupting cow."

"Interrupting c . . .

"MOOOOOO!" She laughed. "See? I interrupted you."

Ella joined in. "Mom, why was six afraid of seven?" then whispered, "Don't answer." I shrugged my shoulders. "Because seven EIGHT nine! Get it?" I got it.

Lauren's turn again. "Mom, why did the cow cross the road?"

"Why?

"Because he didn't want to be in a joke anymore!"

"That' pretty good, Lauren," I said. "Did you make that up yourself?"

"No. Grandpa maked it up. He's so funny."

"Which grandpa?" Ella asked. Lauren looked at her quizically.

"My own."

"Which one of your grandpas is it?" Ella persisted. Lauren looked to me and whispered,

"What are their names again?"

"Humble?" I offered.

"Humble! That's right."

essay question

Ella's homework question was, "Would you like to ride in a hot air balloon?" This was her answer:

"I would not be duliatid. Wye not? I woulb get ari sick!"

I convinced her to at least consider the possibility (and fill the page, per the instructions), so she added:

"If I did, I woulb see my scoolh anb my house anb my nabrhod and the brd's. I wnbr how the clouds would feel?"

progress report

Time again for Lauren's preschool progress report. Ms. Lynn writes:

"When I think of Lauren I think 'spunky.' She is tiny and sometimes quiet, but she has a lot of positive energy and knows her own mind. She cooperates well with other children and is well-liked at school. She is bright and curious and easily finds ways to be productively engaged while at school. Developmentally, she is right on track."

Well done, Lauren!

trick ponies

Today, two little elastic bands turned my baby into a toddler. A completely adorable toddler who is all smiles. I think she likes her new look.

show & tell a fib

Lauren absolutely loves it when I take my monthly turn to volunteer at her preschool. She gets to blink the lights when it's clean-up time, use a pointer to count the days of the month, report the weather, be the line leader, and, best of all, bring something for show & tell.

Her teacher, Ms. Lynn, requests that the item a student brings for show & tell corresponds with the letter of the week. This week was "L Week." Fully aware of the situation, Lauren said to me, "Mom, I really want to take Jewely to show & tell."

"That would be really fun, wouldn't it? Too bad it's not 'J Week' or 'U Week.'" She was quiet, and then I heard her say, quite mischievously, from the back seat, "I know how I can take her."

"How?"

"What if . . . her name started with 'L'?"

"You mean, like, if her name were 'Louise'?"

"Yes! Louise."

Sure enough, on show & tell morning Lauren came down the stairs to leave for school with her beloved Jewely in her arms. When the time arrived for show & tell she went to her cubby and produced Jewely, then stood next to her teacher and said, as though it were the gospel truth, "This is my unicorn, Louise." She smiled.

"Louise!" Ms. Lynn repeated. "That starts with 'L'!" A visiting county supervisor exclaimed, "My name is Louise, and I almost never meet anyone with that name, much less a unicorn!"

Lauren proudly paraded her unicorn in front of each of her classmates, who took turns petting her sparkly mane and horn.

I kept her secret.

Walking to the car I asked, "So, is Jewely's name Louise now?"

Lauren's walk had a little bounce to it. "No," she said, "Louise is just her nickname."

happy birthday, dear kim

This morning the girls awakened Kim with cheers of "Happy birthday!" and little hands bearing gifts. Together, they held three envelopes they had made out of wrapping paper, and tied carefully with bows.

The first was from Lauren. Inside was a picture she drew just for her daddy. "Thank you!" Kim said, surveying the long row of red dots and a large, red triangle. "What is it?"

"It's firetrucks driving to a volcano."

"I love it."

"You're welcome."

The next was from Ella. Inside were four quarters. They were all state quarters, which makes me think that Ella has learned one of the secrets of successful gift giving: giving exactly what you would like yourself. (It was, however, easier in this case since the quarters came from states she has already filled on her collector's map.)

And finally, a poem from Ella:

"Rosis are reb,

Vilits are blu,

And all I love

is you, you, YOU, YOU, YOU."

I gave him a new Titleist/ASU hat. Much needed, and quite well-liked. It looks nice on him. And Mom and Dad bought him his all-time favorite gift for any occasion: a dozen golf balls.

He's at the driving range now, but we're dropping off the girls at the sitter and going to dinner tonight. I love birthdays!

great-grandpa's girl

Today I was on the phone when Audrey came to me holding out a plastic cup in one hand, and a pint of cream in the other.

a la cuisine!

I invited a family of dear friends over for Sunday dinner. Then Kim started getting work emails and locked himself in our room with his laptop. Such is life. So, I set about making chicken curry, rice, salad and rolls while cleaning up after myself, setting the table and entertaining two of my three small children. All in one hour. It was my own personal version of Iron Chef.

Happily, all of the food was ready at the same time. And the table was set. And the water was poured. And the children were dressed. Clean even. As we all sat down at the table, my friend Adrienne commented to the girls, "Your mom is so organized."

And without even an instant of hesitation Ella flatly replied, "It's not regular."

vandal

We've been vandalized. Every day this week. Several times a day. We've found markings on furniture, clothing, carpets and appliances, even our children. We've identified a suspect, but she won't talk. Her big brown eyes plead innocence, but her 2' 5" height matches the evidence. We hide the pens and markers. She finds them. We clean up after her. She tags her turf again. When she laughs, she laughs at us.

fleeced lightning

My dermatologist advised me to stop using dryer sheets awhile ago. Things get a little static-clingy (I'm losing a lot more socks) but are generally less itchy and, as I discovered last night, can also be more fun.

It was about 10:00 and Kim and I had just turned in when Lauren tiptoed into our room. I pretended to be asleep until I heard her whisper, "Mom."

"Yes?'

"I really can't sleep."

"What do you need, Lauren?" I waited for her inevitable request, then heard it whispered somewhere close to my ear.

"Can I snuggle with you?"

"Sure," I heard myself say. "Climb in." She happily hoisted herself onto the bed and wriggled under the covers. I knew what would come next.

"I'm hot," she said, kicking, then struggling. "I just. Need. To take off. My pajamas."

And then I saw it. With each kick of her heels against the sheets, Lauren set off a series of beautiful blue sparks that absolutely electrified her pajamas. It was like something from a sci-fi movie. In the darkened room I could just make out the silhouette of Lauren's jaw dropping.

"Lauren," I said, nearly as impressed as she was, "Do you think you have magic pajamas?"

She could barely manage the answer.

"Yes."

warm & cosi

Tonight was one of those nights. The dinner hour snuck up on me. So, with little time and less energy, I piled the girls in the car. Rather than hit a drive-thru, I chose Cosi - a little soup, salad and sandwich place with soft lighting, nice music and lots of upholstered furniture.

As we sat and waited for our food I surveyed Ella's outfit - the third or fourth she had tried on before leaving the house. She was wearing a sweater, over a dress, over jeans, accessorized with a grosgrain ribbon tied around her waist, a chunky necklace and mary janes. She has her own uninhibited style, that girl. I made a mental note to try to appreciate it when she's seventeen.

Our food arrived and the girls began enjoying their pizza, fruit cups and milk. Soon Ella was explaining the nuanced flavors in her food. Then she paused, turned to me, and said quite dramatically, "I was born for food . . . and fashion."

Our fun conversation was made even better when the manager brought us four chocolate chip cookies, on the house. Dining alone with three little girls has its advantages.

As we left, Lauren said to me, so genuinely as she always does, "Mom, thanks for taking us to Warm. It's a nice a place to be."

I laughed out loud at how completely adorable she is. "Did you mean Cosi?"

She laughed at herself, "Haha! Yes."

"You're welcome."