Dugan Christmas Party

For the past nine years we have gone to the skating rink for the annual Dugan Productions Christmas party. The kids love it. All of the children receive a little stocking full of quarters to play the arcades. Mine, however, use every last one on the Claw. Melody is quite the professional at winning stuffed animals. That night she won five!

Everyone enjoyed the pizza and sodas, cookies and candy, and the kids had a blast skating the night away.

We feel so blessed to be part of such a family-friendly corporation. Mr. Dugan is a very generous man and we appreciate him and are thankful for Jimmy's job!

My Best Boy

Five years ago today, shortly before dawn, I was in a corner of my bedroom sitting in a pool of warm water. Jimmy was kneeling beside me with love and anxious concern in his eyes. My mother was a few feet away looking on in pride and understanding. I had a midwife nearby and the only light in the room came from the amber glow of a bedside table lamp as soft and soothing music played in the background.

I remember the seering contractions. The burning. The pushing. The feel of the wrinkles in the rubber pool beneath my fingers as I scratched and clawed at its bottom. And then, finally, the instananous relief. The unmatched ecstasy like no other experience in the world is the moment a mother is delivered and a baby is born. Five years ago today that jubilation was mine. My boy. My son. My Roman.

Happy Birthday, buddy. I love you.

Tea Party

My amazing daughters surprised me with a *tea party* two weeks ago complete with a VIP chair sign, crackers and cheese, apple juice, and hot chocolate. Two of them eve dressed up in their Sunday best and adorned themselves in my jewelry and makeup. It was a complete surprise and I was overcome with their kindness! Moment like these make motherhood feel like royalty!