Thanks for the trees.

Countless times, I've witnessed one of our kids saying their prayers. Well, maybe countless is a stretch, but it's safe to say I've heard quite a few nighttime prayers.

That's why Allie's prayer last night stuck with me. She thanked God for the usual things: her parents, her friends, her aunts and uncles, her Mema and Pepa, her Nana, you get the idea. She even thanked him for sending Jesus and, in a timely move that I'm sure was designed to improve her take on Christmas Day, she even thanked him for sending Santa.

But then, she surprised me.

In a very natural way, like she'd said it a hundred times, Allie thanked God for photosynthesis. She did! Okay, she didn't actually say that, but it's what she meant. Here's what she said:

"...and thanks, God, for making the trees, so we can live."

That's the same as photosynthesis, right? Anyway, it was pretty accurate and very sweet.

Take your time.

It was a beautiful day; ironically one that Susan had tried to avoid for a long time. As they walked along the sun-kissed fields they visited every week, this time was different.

The cool breeze reminded her that Fall was coming, and with the change of season, other things would certainly change, too. They looked for birds and laughed.

Emily loved taking walks with her Mom in the woods. She got to see all kinds of different animals and her mom always taught her something new. Pretty flowers, funny stories.

"Look, Em," called Susan, "That bird is making a nest."

Emily's eyes opened wide as she watched how nature takes care of itself. It was almost like magic to her and she soaked in every minute of it.

Susan did, too. But she wasn't watching the birds. She was watching her little girl grow up, a job she knew all along would end someday...but she now realized a part of it would end today.

It's not like she and Emily wouldn't take Mother-Daughter walks again. Of course they would. But things would be different.

Soon, there would be school buses and new friends. Sports and homework. Emily's life was about to change and there was nothing Susan could do about it.

Except on this walk.

For today, there was still time. The breeze was still blowing, still bringing in the fresh smells of the woods. And Susan was talking it all in...one last time.

"C'mon, Mom," Emily yelled, "Hurry up!"

"Slow down, honey," she said.

"Take your time."

Princesses unite

When we were in Disney World in '07, Allie was in her element. Since she knows she's a princess (she's been told that for years, after all) it was only natural for her to hang out with 'her people'.

Here, she's posing with Belle and, if you look closely, you can also see evidence that the Fairy Godmother was wearing pink lipstick on this special day.

We had breakfast at Cinderella's Castle, which is where all cool princesses hang out. We got to see Belle, Jasmine, The Fairy Godmother, Sleeping Beauty and, of course, our hostess Cinderella.

We can't wait to go back so Allie can gather again with her peeps.

Paraskevidekatriaphobia

Just one day before Valentine's Day this year is...Friday the 13th. Anyone who can say the word for fear of Friday the 13th (above) gets extra credit.

Some believe that our fear of this date has its roots in Christian faith -- Judas was the 13th (and certainly unlucky) apostle at the Last Supper and Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Some also believe that Adam and Eve ate forbidden fruit on Friday (the first happy hour?) and the great flood happened on Friday, as well.

Me? I think it's just another day. In fact, we've had good luck on that controversial day. Jacob had successful surgery on Friday the 13th when he was three and Allie was born on the 13th (okay that was a Monday).

But, you might want to go shopping for your Valentine early this year...just in case.

Long time, no entries.

Well, since I'm supposed to be a writer, I guess I should keep this up more often...hey, a New Year's resolution!

Think of it as the painter's house that's never quite painted.

Anyway, I hope you and your family (whoever you are, you secretive blog reader you) had a great holiday season. I know we did.

We have a tradition in our house where Santa brings an elf named Rupert to stay with us for a couple of weeks before Christmas. Problem is, Rupert is a michevious elf who comes to life and is always making messes when we leave the house.

Second problem is, Rupert was accompanied this year by his sister, Ruthie, who is also quite a handful. Together, they found new ways to make messes everytime we wen't to the store or out to eat. Thankfully, Santa picked them up on his annual trip, so they aren't making messes any more...but I have a feeling they'll be back.