Other

I’m taking the week off to enjoy summer and spend time with friends and family. But I thought this might make you as happy as it made me.

Jimmy Fallon? If you need a new best friend, please call me.

Dear Caroline,

Today you are ten years old. You’re officially in the double digits. These last ten years couldn’t have traveled any faster had we been in a DeLorean going 88 miles an hour. It makes me want to cry just thinking about it.

You don’t have grandparents that watch soap operas all day long, but my Me-Ma and Pa-Pa got me hooked from an early age. I have vivid memories of sitting on their living room floor and hearing Macdonald Carey say, “Like sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives” as the music swelled and I waited anxiously to see what shenanigans Stefano DiMera had up his sleeve. I never really understood what he meant by “sands through the hourglass” back then, but I know now.

Time is fragile. You can’t catch it. You can’t hold onto it. You can’t make it go backwards. It slips right through your fingers and you’re left wondering what happened to the last year or five years or ten years. You remember the high points and the low points, but it’s the every day moments that get lost in the shuffle. I would give my right arm to have one more morning with you as a chubby two year old cuddled up next to me watching Sesame Street.

These days you’re all arms and legs and angles. Your face has lost its little girl look and I can see your cheekbones and glimpses of the woman you’re going to become. You are so beautiful you take my breath away. And your laugh? You have the best laugh in the world. If I could bottle that sound it might singlehandedly eradicate all the sadness in the world. No matter what is going on in my life, your laugh never ceases to make me laugh too.

This has been the year that one of my deepest wishes for you has finally been fulfilled. You’ve become a reader. Actually, not just a reader, you’ve become a lover of books. You finally get what it means to get so caught up in a story that you can’t put it down. And while this led to many school nights where you stayed up way too late, it’s also thrilled me because I so relate to what it feels like to have to read “just one more chapter”. Granted, your taste tends to lean more towards action and adventure than mine ever did, but I don’t care if you never read Little House on the Prairie as long as you’re reading something.

In fact, when Sparkly Green Earrings came out this past year, you informed me that you downloaded it on your Kindle and began to read it. I was surprised, but pleased. I guess I always knew you’d read it one day, but I didn’t know that day would be so soon.

Every morning we’d laugh over something you’d read the night before, some little something you did when you were little. And then one night you met me in the bathroom with tears in your eyes. You said, “Mama, I was just reading the part about how you cried when I went off to Kindergarten and now I’m so sad I ever went to Kindergarten.”

Well. I didn’t see that coming.

I hugged you and replied, “But Kindergarten turned out to be awesome. Remember how much you loved it? And how great it was? I was just crying because it was new and different.”

You thought about that for a minute before your words came out in a tearful jumble, “Yes, but that was when I was five and now that’s almost been five years ago and I just feel like I’m growing up too fast and I don’t ever want to leave you and Daddy.”

Oh my heart.

That’s when what I wanted to say, “Then don’t ever leave. Just live with me forever and we’ll hope we don’t end up like Big and Little Edie in Grey Gardens.”

But that isn’t really an acceptable answer.

So instead I said, “But I love that you’re growing up! It’s so much fun to see the person you’re becoming and God has big plans for you. And I know it’s hard to believe right now but a day will come when you’ll be ready to leave home and head out into the world.”

I’ll refer to it in my head as the day I’ll spend eating a donut in the back of my closet while crying.

You wiped your tears and hugged me tight while I assured you that you will always be our little girl and there will never be a time that you can’t come running home when you need a respite from the real world. And I mean it. Daddy and I will always be here cheering you on no matter where life takes you.

Because here’s the thing. The world needs you. You are an amazing girl who embraces all that life has to offer and is never afraid to say exactly what’s on your mind.

God created you with a plan and a purpose. I look at you and see a fearless girl who’s ready to take on life. You’re the perfect blend of sweet and stubborn, funny and tender, sarcastic and sensitive. You are more than I ever asked for or could ever have imagined. And I can’t wait to see what the next year has in store for you.

Here’s what I know for sure. You’re going to be awesome at being ten.

Daddy and I love you more than you’ll ever know. These last ten years have been gift beyond comprehension. And of all the things I get to do in life, being your mom is at the top of the list.

Love,
Mama

The song is Stars by David Crowder

So this is going to be quick because it’s late and I waited until the last minute to pull it together. But I just want to briefly share that I was listening to the radio today and Boogie Shoes by KC and the Sunshine Band came on.

And I had this flashback to a dance recital in fourth grade where I did a tap dance routine to that song while wearing a chocolate brown leotard with gold fringe and a gold headpiece that looked like something you’d find on the top of a Christmas tree. At the time I believed I’d never looked so beautiful.

I don’t really have a point except to say maybe you should think twice about any fashion advice I have to offer. I am only a step away at all times from the temptation to wear a brown leotard with gold fringe.

1. tinley road quilted vegan leather jacket

Sometimes I post things that I don’t necessarily plan to order because sometimes you have to exercise self-control or you’ll end up living in a van down by the river.

However, this jacket is definitely on my must have list. The reviews are great. I love the way it looks and, BONUS, it appeals to my vegan sensibilities.

Not that I have any vegan sensibilities, but what if I decide to at some point?

2. bohemian turquoise ring

Turquoise is my weakness. Love this ring.

3. charmante femme striped top

This is such a cute top. It may also be on my must order soon list because it’s the perfect thing to throw on with jeans.

4. dreamy lace tank top

I realize that I tend to feature a top like this almost every week, but this one is a great price and I love that it’s long enough to wear with skinny jeans or maybe even leggings depending on how long it is on a normal person.

5. voile and lace trapeze slip

So football season is less than a month away. I really can’t talk about or I won’t be able to sleep tonight for all the excitement.

But here’s my issue. It’s tough for a girl to find cute maroon clothing. There just isn’t much to be found. Which is why I was so excited to see this at Free People. They’re calling it “plum”, but I think we all know they meant to say “Aggie maroon”.

6. hooded flounce pullover

Something about this appeals to me. Maybe with leggings and boots?

7. terry moto jacket

I saw this in person at Gap yesterday and thought it was really cute.

8. lightweight v-neck cardigan

I am not a cardigan girl. I’ve had moments where I’ve tried but it just looks like I’m playing pretend. However, I always think other people look precious in them. And this appears to be a good lightweight version that comes in a bunch of colors.

9. poetic shift dress with belt

This is at Forever 21 and I think it’s darling. I’d probably wear it with my own belt because belts that sometimes come with these things are a little wonky.

10. dotted uptown tunic

So cute with white jeans to get through the end of summer. And it’s on sale at Anthropologie right now.

That’s it for today.

Y’all have a good Friday.

I just took a wild guess and decided the majority of you probably don’t care to hear about what I did yesterday. Especially considering it involves such excitement as a trip to the grocery store, going to the pool and driving Caroline to soccer practice.

So I thought I’d tell you about a few of my favorite things this summer. Please note that whiskers on kittens are nowhere to be found on this list. Not because I don’t like them so much as I don’t have a cat in my life right now.

Favorite Candle:

Capri Blue Jar Candle

My friend Leslie gave me one of these candles a few months ago and I am addicted. Plus, do you not see the turquoise jar? What’s not to love?

This is one of those candles that make your whole house smell divine.

Favorite Moisturizer:

Neutrogena sesame body oil

This has been one of my summer favorites for a long time. It smells so great and makes your skin feel good even after a day in the pool.

Favorite Song:

Mirrors by JT

I knew the first time I heard it that this would be my favorite song of the summer. It sounds like something Justin would have sang when he was with ‘N Sync.

And, yes. I call him Justin. We’re very close friends. In my mind.

Favorite Hair Product:

Coconut Oil

My hairdresser told me I should use coconut oil on my hair and it is a wonder. It totally moisturizes it, but doesn’t leave it feeling oily or limp.

You just leave it in for about ten minutes and then shampoo it out.

Favorite Nail Polish:

Essie nail polish

I love all these bright pastels from Essie. It’s like a basket of Easter eggs.

Favorite Cover Up:

ruffle swim coverup dress

This is a great coverup. I love that it’s easy to pull on and not too short.

Favorite Beauty Product:

garnier bb cream

I realize all the cool kids have moved on to CC creams, but I just discovered the BB cream in the spring and I’m not ready to leave it behind yet. Especially because I really like this. It’s been the perfect thing to wear all summer.

Favorite Sandwich:

veggie bagel sandwiches

I may have a slight obsession with this sandwich. But I will tell you that I don’t put cheese on mine other than the cream cheese. That’s all I need.

And you can do a mix of various vegetables depending on your personal preference. I tend to stick to tomatoes, cucumber and lettuce. But I’m a small town girl, living in a lonely world and I took the midnight train going anywhere.

Wait…

Favorite Bible Study:

Gideon by Priscilla Shirer

If you’re looking for a great Bible study, look no further. I’ve always loved the story of Gideon and Priscilla Shirer has written such a fabulous study on him.

Favorite Movie:

Despicable Me 2

Granted, it’s the only movie I’ve seen in the theater this summer, but I think it’d be my favorite no matter what because MINIONS.

So what are some of your favorites this summer? Clearly you’re not limited to any specific category.

Hello.

I’m so glad you could join me for this momentous occasion. What occasion you ask?

I took Caroline to eat at IHOP for the first time in her life yesterday.

I know. I’m a terrible mother. It’s like she hasn’t had air until now.

In my defense, I bet Prince George will be at least ten before the Duke and Duchess take him to an IHOP.

Our day began uneventfully because it’s summer and that’s how most of our days have looked over the last several weeks. But eventually I realized we needed to run some errands because we were out of dishwasher detergent and dog food and we needed new chairs for the beach. Also, I didn’t want to clean the bathrooms and that was my other option for the day.

(I don’t mean to make our lives sound like a modern day Camelot. It’s just how we live.)

(Also, maybe life would be more exciting if I was like Des on The Bachelorette and found out at the last minute that the love of my life wasn’t into me. How could she have misread the signals? It’s not like they had only known each other for five weeks while filming a reality show. Except that they had only known each other for five weeks while filming a reality show.)

(No. I’m not actually watching The Bachelorette this season but I am still reading the recaps because it’s not like I’ve had a personality transplant.)

Anyway, we ran to Academy which ranks as one of my least favorite destinations. But I felt like it would probably have the best selection of beach chairs. Sadly, I was wrong. There was only one style of beach chair left and it was the kind my grandparents used to have with the itchy mesh tape-like stuff. No thank you. If I wanted a waffle imprint on my rear end, well, I’d be weird.

So we left Academy empty-handed and realized we were starving. Probably because it was 1:30 at this point and we hadn’t eaten lunch. Time gets away from you in the summer. I threw out our usual lunch options and then Caroline said, “I really wish I could eat some blueberry pancakes.”

And that’s when I realized I have failed as a mother in the “Open 24 Hours Restaurant Experience” which includes the option of eating breakfast at ANY POINT during the day. It’s pure crazy madness. I told her there was a place we could go where she could get blueberry pancakes complete with whipped cream on top. A place where the pancakes flow like milk and honey.

We walked into IHOP and she just looked around for a minute. Taking it all in. I understood because I have never walked in an IHOP that doesn’t make you feel a little bit like you’ve stepped back in time.

She ordered the Rooty Tooty Fresh and Frooty, Jr. breakfast with blueberry pancakes, a sunny side up egg, a link of sausage and a piece of bacon. And she ate it all.

Without even seeing you I feel like you aren’t taking in the enormity of that statement. She ate ALL that food. She cleaned her plate. This has happened maybe three other times in her whole entire life. She is a child who has been known to live on a cheese stick and a solitary grape for three days.

As she wiped the blueberry syrup from her mouth, she announced, “THIS IS THE BEST PLACE EVER!”

This was the moment a lifelong fan was born.

After we enjoyed our delicious breakfast for lunch we headed to Target where we found fantastic beach chairs complete with cupholders in the armrest and a built-in pillow.

And, thus, it was the perfect day.

Except for the part where we went to Academy.

We have four weeks of summer left.

Four weeks.

Which is still a long time in the whole scheme of things but I know I’m going to blink and it will be time to set the alarm again.

There are all these little warnings that it’s almost here. Caroline has soccer practice every night this week and that makes it feel like the real world again. We have some place we have to be at a certain time again. Granted, that time is 6:00 p.m. and doesn’t require an alarm, but it does make us have to rethink long days at the pool.

And then we accidentally went shopping for school supplies on Sunday.

I didn’t mean for it to happen. But we were in Target and I had the list and, well, one thing led to another and we ended up with a cart full of notebook paper and six dozen sharpened Ticonderoga #2 pencils and a three-ring binder. Forgive me, summer, for I have sinned.

Honestly, when I realized I’d missed the cut off date to order the pack of school supplies from the PTO I wanted to gnaw my arm off because, in the past, school supply shopping tends to take a sweet forever and involves me having to say NO multiples of times to extraneous things like a pink fur trimmed mirror for the locker she doesn’t even have in elementary school.

But this time it went so well. She only wanted plain notebooks in solid colors. She didn’t attempt a Crayola upgrade in the form of the 48 count markers with built-in glitter. We stuck to the list. Mostly. I mean I’m not an ogre. There are some erasers shaped like fruits and Sharpies in all the colors. Truth be told, I love a Sharpie so that might have been an easy sell.

We also bought two swimsuits at 50% off, a pair of camo shorts and new goggles. So I felt like we struck a good balance between summer frivolity and back to school practicality.

Then yesterday we drove out to Nordstrom because Caroline has had her eye on these Nike tennis shoes and they’re on sale right now. But once she actually tried them on she wasn’t a fan. However, we made our way to the clothing department where she picked out a few shirts to try on and then announced that she wanted me to wait outside the dressing room so she could come out and show me.

And that’s where I still am twenty-four hours later.

I am the Rip Van Winkle of the mall.

It was nice knowing all of you.

Not really. But that’s how it felt. For the love of all textiles, how long does it take to button a few buttons? It was excruciating.

After we left, I insisted we make a brief stop by Zara to check out their sale. And I found a top I’d been wanting on sale for $15. I mean it was legitimately only $15 without rounding down or anything. I felt so good about my economical top that I ventured into Free People to try on a shirt I’d seen online and I was thrilled that it wasn’t nearly as cute in person. Now I am free to quit thinking about it. I’m a free person from Free People.

And then we drove through Chick-Fil-A. And went to soccer practice. And then I met a group of girlfriends for dinner. You have no idea how much I wish I could make this all sound more exciting than it actually was.

But that’s summer.

And I plan to enjoy it fully for the next four weeks.