Princess Molly

Molly is our wonderful middle child. With this status comes many challenges that she didn't necessarily ask for. Especially at the age she is. She is in the shadow of her big sister who gets to do "everything" because she is older. She has to go along to be a spectator to all these great things that her big sister gets to do but she doesn't. She is not sweet, innocent toddler that gets away with things because she is "just learning" anymore. The same toddler that gets so much attention for learning new things at what seems like the speed of sound. It's a tough spot to be in. She doesn't always realize how special she is and that her time will come too. This year on her birthday I decided that she would get the royal treatment! That she would have the most special day ever! And she really did! We had a party at the Princess Tea Room in downtown Centerville. It was truly a little girls dream. What a beautiful place! After everyone arrived the girls went upstairs to choose dress-up clothes and have their make-up done. There was so much to choose from. Tiaras, wands, gloves, fur stoles. You name it! Then they layed out the red carpet and had a fashion show. Next they made picture frames, then it was on to the tea party. The girls enjoyed fruit and veggies and had lemonade and tea using real china. Then came the cupcakes! After the tea party everyone went back up stairs for some presents and dancing. Madison sat next to Molly and helped her read the cards. It was precious! The afternoon was full of bright, happy little faces. I loved seeing Molly have the chance to be the center of attention. It was her special day. But I also enjoyed seeing all of those little girls faces when they got to pick out their dress-up close and when Molly opened each of their special gifts. It was priceless! I am so glad that we could give Molly such a special 5th birthday!

Missing Daddy

Duane had to make another trip to China. It was a sad house of girls here. No one likes it when Daddy is gone. Molly and I shed tears together. My anxiety level was off the charts while he was making the trip there and back. But life has to go on, especially when it is as busy as ours. Several weeks ago Duane and I sat down and looked at the calendar to find the week that would be the most manageable without him. Of coarse after he planned the trip, 5 more things came up. But that would probably have been the case any week that we chose. We stayed very busy and it helped pass the time. We had a girl's night the day Duane left. We ate dinner in living room and watched movies. I let the girls take turns sleeping with me every night. It made the lonely nights a little more bearable having some one to cuddle with. I truly ached being away from Duane. It's like taking half of a whole a way. I tried to console myself by taking comfort in the fact that we love each other so much, it hurts to be apart. I'm so lucky to have that. On Sunday we went to an art show to see two pieces of Madison's art work that were selected to be on display. This was very exciting for all of us! I was so proud of her! She made a Chinese dragon, which was kind of ironic and a drawing of her being a vet when she grows up. Madison went to a cheer leading camp for three evening that week. On the final night they did a performance for the families. She really had fun with it. It was a blast watching her, but it was just as much fun watching Molly trying to do the routines from the stands. Next year she'll be old enough for cheer leading camp. That's going to be the case for a lot of things soon. Molly's growing up! We did all of this in addition to our normal activities and routines. I have so much respect for single parents. I don't know how they do it. I really am trying to appreciate all the things that Duane does to help out. It sure is a lot! By Friday, we were all exhausted and really ready for the man of the house to come home. It was hard to contain our excitement. We made him a welcome home sign and hung it on the front door. I let the girls stay up until he got home around 10:30. They didn't even let him get out of the car before covering him with kisses and hugs. I was so relieved to have Duane safe and sound at home. We were one happy, reunited family. We were complete again! Every time he goes on a trip, Duane brings the girls something special. While in China, he visited a silk factory. He bought all three girls the most adorable pajamas. I got a beautiful silk shirt. Daddy's always thinking of his girls, no matter where he is. We're so glad he's home, sweet home!

Cabin in the Woods

After eight years, Duane and I finally took a trip without the little ones. We are so grateful to my parents and Aunt Susan for taking the time to spend the weekend with the kids. It meant so much to us. We have done some over night get aways. But this time we had three days and two nights alone. I love my children more than life itself. But I truly believe that without a happy, healthy and fulfilling marriage, nothing else in life can be solid. I am so blessed to have that. But it takes dedication and hard work to maintain in our busy lives. Every married couple needs some time alone to have intimate and in depth conversations and to have the chance to rediscover one another and reconnect at a deeper level that we don't always have the time or opportunity to do. That was what our weekend in Gaitlynburg was all about. We were tucked away in an adorable, secluded cabin with the most breathtaking view! It was so quiet and peaceful. I felt like a kid at Christmas when we left on Saturday morning. We talked the entire 5 hour trip. That night we cooked dinner together, listened to music and enjoyed the freedom of not having to answer to anyone or meet numerous demands. On Sunday we decided to go indoor sky diving of all things! I was pretty skeptical about the whole things. But like so many times, Duane talked me into it and we had a blast. There's nothing like flying:) Later in the day the snow started really coming down. So we threw caution to the wind and went for a drive in the mountains. Duane found a great spot for some breathtaking pictures. We parked on the side of the road and heels and I I ventured with him into the woods. It was one of those moments in life that I really felt close to God. I could hear the snow falling and the creek tumbling along and all was calm. There are few too many moments of calm in my life being a working mom. I cherish that moment and was blessed to share it with my husband. That evening we enjoyed a nice dinner and came back to our cabin to find we had lost power. Luckily, we were upgraded to another cabin. Once I got past the few too many stuffed animal heads, we settled in for another relaxing night together. On our final day we went out to breakfast, did a little shopping and road a tram through the mountains. It was a bright sunny day and the snow glistened on the mountains. It was a fantastic end to a such a memorable trip. Although we enjoyed our time alone together, there was nothing like being welcomed home by our three little munchkins. We can't wait to take them there some day!