Magnolia made it for me. I think it’s pretty awesome! Also I got a letter in her best cursive (why are they still teaching cursive?). It highlighted how she liked the time Josh and I threw a surprise party for her and Ella for no reason at all. It’s weird; I’d forgotten about that. But my favorite line was, “I whant to let you know I will always love you even when I’m 16.” And also – and here’s where I really rev up your jealousy – I got coupons. Yes! In the next few days, I will spend them on:
1. 35 kisses
2. Baking coffee
3. Turning on the shower
4. 35 hugs (anyone wonder how old I am?)
5. Breakfast in bed
6. Cuddling
7. Hugging you right when you get home (I’m spending that one today)
8. Not following you for a whole day (this one kind of breaks my heart)
And to finish it all off, she made a portrait of me. I was thinking I could use it as my author photo someday (always hopeful). I totally look like a hipster-coffeehouse-writer-reader-chick. Oh, and I’m in my Detroit Derbygirls sweatshirt. Of course.
Eleanor took me out for breakfast and we talked about what she likes about me. My honesty. She asked what secrets my parents kept from me. There were some, to her surprise. We also decided it was time for her to start shaving her legs. Mother’s Day with Eleanor is really changing. I’ve always said that the older they get, the more enjoyable they are. Still true.
Jody Sparks Mugele 
i am tearing up over hear. i hope i have days like that coming my way 🙂 your girls are the sweetest and i love the pictures!
Hey Keller! Thanks for visiting! I’m POSITIVE you have MANY MANY of those moments coming your way! You are very observant and kind. I remember once you told me that Josh and I made a great couple and it was the first time anyone had said that to me. I really appreciated it because it didn’t feel like an I-don’t-know-what-else-to-say compliment, but like you really saw something in us. So anyway, I bet your family feels very loved. I think I’m gushing. I better put this reply to bed.
aw!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful!!
Thanks, Kari!
OMG, ADORABLE. You’ve got to use that picture for your profile pic or an author photo — it’s perfect. And I’m definitely jealous of your coupons. I am very curious what issues you have with turning on the shower… (Mine, for instance, sprayed me with a little bit of cold water every time I turned it on until Paul changed out the shower head; I really dreaded turning that thing on! I could have used that coupon!!)
Haha! I love that you have issues with the shower! I wasn’t actually aware that I had any. Maybe the issue is that I don’t shower enough?
Okay…tearing up here too. Jody you are blessed with two amazing wonderful, sweet, loving girls! I credit it to the parenting. Wow…so awesome! I can only hope my two turn out as well!
Thanks, Julie! I have no doubt your boys will be loving and kind and wonderful people! Josh and I often remark that your (both you and Chris obviously) parenting is admirable. We’re very impressed with how you engage with them and let them be who they are. I’ve found it’s sometimes the hardest thing in the world to not try to *make* them be interested in this thing or that, and instead, help them along in what interests them. You and Chris do that so well!