Let's Be a Good Example

Here's my plea to mothers of daughters:

Lets be kind, supportive, and loving. Let's drop the judgement and teach our daughters how to be accepting of one another. Let's stop and listen. Let's stop talking over each other, ask each other questions, and really get to know and understand one another. Let's show more love and less hate. Let's be tolerant of our differing beliefs. Let's laugh more and show each other support when we cry. Let's be a true example of grace, kindness, and strength. Let's stop feeling paranoid, persecuted, and left out. Let's show our girls how to create their own fun and laugh at ourselves. Let's stop teaching these girls to be mean, judgmental, and unkind. Let's attempt to show our daughters how to be exceptional women who are there for one another.  

Moms, let's please be a good example for our daughters.

Listen to Your Parents

I mentioned in my previous post about the support my mother always gave me. I wanted to share that I'm 49 and my dad is 82 and he still gives me great advice and knows what to say to make me feel better. 

And, I still go to him looking for that encouragement and support. I'm so grateful for the love of my parents. It makes my job easier, as a mother, to be able to recall the awesome parenting that I had as a child. Thanks, dad. 

Moral of this story: Listen to Your Parents. 

Mother's Support

Mothering is a full time and difficult job. There are the days where it's all fun and games and easy breezy. Then there are the times when tough decisions need to be made. The times when life isn't exactly as you have envisioned. And that's when you need to be a strong role model for your children. And as I heard quoted on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air (yes, really), "parents shouldn't be a dictator they should be an advisor". So, with those words in mind, I attempt to guide my girls and help them make some good decisions for themselves. Just like my mom did for me. 

When I was in the 5th grade I ran for Student Council Vice President and I lost. I was an incredibly shy girl and the idea that I even had the nerve to run is amazing to me. But, I know that I was encouraged to do it thanks to my mom. 

The next school year, she helped me make campaign posters and cute badges to run for Student Council President. Again, I'm shocked to realize that I opted to run after my loss in 5th grade. But, I'm sure it's because of the positive reinforcement that my mother showed me. She believed in me and that was enough. And, once again, I lost. 

The moral of this somewhat sad tale is that I kept trying and I had my parents and my sisters right behind me. It was a great example of how to create a loving and supportive family in the good times and the bad times. 

I hope that I am sending that same message to my girls. I hope that I'm showing them that they can be strong and do tough things even when it seems impossible. 

As I type this, Lily has been selected as the new Secretary of her Student Body and I couldn't be happier for her. 

The Weekend

We had a nice weekend. John was on a golf trip and the girls and I filled our days with relaxing fun. 

Friday night we got a pedicure and went to dinner. 

Saturday we headed to one of our favorite malls in Durham and shopped 'til we dropped. Fun!

Shelly entertained herself with a little Jenga block excitement.

Sunday and Monday we relaxed at the pool.  We went to a cookout on Sunday night with friends. John made it home early on Monday and we were glad to see him home.

All in all, a successful weekend was had by all.

Good Night Song

When I was little I loved watching The Lawrence Welk show and I particularly remember enjoying the closing song. 


I frequently sing this song to the girls when they are headed to bed. They now know the words and love to do a little lip syncing with it. Here they are performing it the other night:

My David Letterman Story

In 1995, I was dating a guy who lived in San Francisco. We had been dating for quite a long time and in July of that year I took a flight to visit him in California. Once there, I had a feeling that things just weren't going right for us. So, within 24 hours of being in San Francisco, I was back on an airplane headed home. 

What does that story have to do with David Letterman? Well, because I returned to Virginia Beach, I was able to drive with my friend to New York City with tickets in hand to see The Late Show with David Letterman at the Ed Sullivan theater. 

It was one of the best experiences. We had such a great time at the show. Sandra Bullock and Mayor Giuliani were the guests that night and we shook hands with both David Letterman and Mayor Giuliani when they came out in the audience for a skit they were doing. There was so much excitement and electricity in the room. Super fun!

Photos from our trip 

My early paper scrapbooking days

Here's a video from that night's show. If you look closely when Sandra Bullock runs into the theater, you can see me on the right in the audience. I'm in all pink with lots of blonde hair and a huge smile on my face (right around 0:38 seconds)!




I'm sad to see David Letterman go. He holds a little piece of my history with him and I'll miss seeing the tv cameras pan around the audience and shout out to John, "that's where I was sitting". A pretty cool memory.

So, with all of that being said, I'm so grateful that I got on that plane and headed home and was able to see David Letterman with my friend. But, probably more important than that, I'm glad I left that relationship so I could go on to meet my hubby!!!

Pool Time

We spent a day at the pool and enjoyed every minute of it. 

Lily's new Ray Bans.

While Shelly floated in the pool, Lily fell fast asleep.

John and Shelly doing stunts in the pool

 Our hibiscus in bloom.

The 15th Party

Lily planned a fun get together with her friends for her birthday celebration. 

The seven girls went out to dinner at a Mexican restaurant. 






Then I took them for a doughnut dessert at Krispy Kreme. 















After a happy birthday song at KK, the girls went to see Pitch Perfect 2. 



Lily had been excited about the fact that the movie would be premiering close to her birthday date. It was a fun night with some really nice friends. 

A little birthday singing at the Mexican restaurant and at Krispy Kreme:

Outdoor Gifts

I received several special and thoughtful birthday gifts. Here are a couple that John gave me:

This clock is perfect for our afternoons in the pool. It's handy to know what time it is when you've been outside in the sun all day. 

And, once we hit the pool, we're always eager to listen to some music. This awesome Bluetooth Bose speaker makes listening to our favorite songs extra fun. 

Getting excited about the pool, the sun, and the summer!!

The Birthday

Lily turned 15 on Tuesday. After school she came home and finished her homework and got ready for gift opening time. 

A card made by Shelly and signed by her friends and teachers for Lily

Daisy playing during the gift opening

Reading her cards

Card from Shelly

The wooden L made by Shelly with Lilly patterns

Lily has wanted a pair of Chaco's since the summer and she was very excited about them

She had fun opening her presents and Shelly was her extremely helpful gift assistant. 

Displaying some of her gifts

Silly Lily

After gifts we head out to dinner at East Coast Wings and then we were back home for her cookie cake. 

It was a beautiful day to turn 15!!!