Three Little Turkeys.

I am participating in the Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday post about motherhood. This collage epitomizes motherhood to me. All of them in the same PJ's (probably well into the afternoon). All crawling under the Exosaucer (definitely not using the toy for its intended purpose) while being photographed.

They were each at that magical 9 months age that my husband and I loved so much. I love that this collage freezes them in time, all together and all at once.

A Very Fancy Party.

Last weekend we attended a very formal affair for a precious girl's "Fancy Nancy" birthday party (pictured here with Groucho-Clayton.)

There were feather boas, tiaras, colored hairspray and hair clips galore. Barrett was definitely in her element. (She said it was the best party she'd ever attended! I predict that I will be throwing a "fancy" birthday party for her next summer.)

Ansley had a fabulously fancy time as well. There were crafts, a fashion show and fancy tea party food for all. (I wished I had gotten a better picture of the table, it was amazing. You can see part of it in the background.)

The party's hostess really has a flair for throwing the most amazing parties. I think she was a bit worried that it might be too "girly" for the boys who attended. Quite the contrary! Doesn't he look like he had a fabulous time?? Fancy and all.

School Days.

Passing the Torch.

We've lived in our small town for three years.  For all of that time, one of my children has attended Noah's Ark Preschool.  It is my heart and soul.  It is where I've met all of my closest friends.  I am so fortunate that each of my children's first school experiences were at this wonderful school.

Today the youngest [and most boisterous] member of our family started Noah's Ark Preschool.  He was so excited, which made leaving him there very easy.

The only negative report from his teacher was that he attempted to free the guinea pig.  When I asked him about it, he said he was "trying to put Angel in her ball." My only negative report? That our beloved Teacher Dianna won't be teaching his class.

By all accounts, he had a fantastic day.  His favorite part "juice."   My favorite part?  Hosting a coffee at my house [sans les enfants] for my closest girlfriends.  I think I could really get used to this SAHM business.

Tall, Tall Trees.

This past weekend we took the kids to the Avenue of Giants to see all the redwood trees.  I'd like to believe that they were thoroughly impressed, but they kept asking "where are we going?"  Of course the answer was "we're here, we're just driving and looking at all the tall trees."  "Oh." [Such a tough crowd to please.]

Vacation.

All I ever wanted. Vacation, had to get away.

(Vacation, ready for it to be over. Vacation, wished I were already home.)

The Best of Father's Days.

I was never certain what kind of mother I would be, but the one thing I was always certain of was what kind of father my husband would be.  He is everything I wanted for my children and so much more.

On this Father's Day, I visited a dear friend, her husband and newborn two hours after she delivered. It reminded me of those three spectacular days that made my husband a father.

This picture was taken just days after Barrett was born.

This picture was taken after Ansley Claire was born.

This picture was taken minutes after I delivered Clayton.

I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, but my choice for husband and father of my children I have never regretted, not for one single second. Happy Father's Day, dear.  I love you.