A couple days ago, the girls and I were driving to go see my mom.  I made the comment that we haven't seen her in awhile.  Sharon immediately replied, "Well, I guess that's because you don't need her help anymore." 

I find it amazing that at the age of seven, Sharon understands my transformation better than some adults who have known me for years.  I often think that she doesn't remember that Mommy used to need help running all of her errands and completing her household chores.  I guess that's not the case at all. 

Even though Sharon was only six when began learning how to do things independently, I can't help but think that that she won't ever take the little things in life for granted.  I think that there is a lot that we can learn from her attitude and outlook.

I just put a french braid in Winona's hair!!!!  I can't believe it.  It seems even more unbelievable that I did it at 9PM.  I never thought in a million years that my hands would allow me to do my daughter's hair just as my grandmother and mother did mine many years ago.  As soon as I completed putting the band in her hair, I squealed with so much excitement.  I quickly stood up and gave Winona a hug that almost caused her to spill her apple juice. 

When she was a toddler, Steve always did her hair because my hands didn't allow me to do so.  He was the one who put their hair in ribbons and pigtails for major holidays and professional pictures.  I must add that he did a great job. 

I was never even able to hold a pencil at night to take a phone message down.  How is it possible that God has given me such a wonderful gift?  He has given me one more way to put a smile on my daughter's face.  This is one of the happiest nights of my life. 

It's also necessarily for me to thank Tonia for teaching me how to do a french braid this weekend.  Now all I have to do is practice and in no time I will be doing their hair for special occasions, just like a mother should.

As many of you know, I am in the processes of writing a book.  There's a slight problem though.  Okay, a big problem.  I seem to be having trouble finding/making the time to write.  I am so busy running the girls to swimming, park programs, etc. that I haven't had much quality writing time. 

When I  begin to think of the end product (a complete memoir) I get stressed.  At this point there doesn't seem to be an end in sight.  I have always wanted to write a book and now I finally have a really good story to be told.  I know it will get done and it may take years, but I have to remind myself that it's okay that it's going to take a long time.  I am living my life, a life that I had only dreamed of living.  So, if that means my book won't be done in the near future, I'm okay with that.

I made popcorn on the stove tonight for Winona and her friend.  I never thought I would be able to stand, at night and cook something that can burn easily.  What a gift!!!

I just got back from a week of vacation with Steve and the girls.  We spent much needed time together without the technology that can keep us from quality family time. 

We spent quite a bit of our time enjoying the wilderness of the North Country.  Yes, this city girl went on mosquito infested hikes on nearly vacant islands.  Our first hike together as a family was a two mile hike to a lighthouse.  Steve and I failed to bring the mosquito spray and the result was that of a very upset seven year old girl who would rather be at the mall shopping for cute clothes than out in God's Country. 

As she complained, I informed her that us being together as a family AND walking in the woods was a gift given to us by God.  I told her how lucky she was to be able to not only walk., but to be able to walk where many people will never be able to visit.  When we finally did reach the old light house, we climbed the spiral staircase and looked out onto Lake Superior.  A middle aged woman stood next to us looking at the calm lake.  She made a comment that her husband was down in the boat and could not come because he was in a wheel chair.  Sharon was much better on the two mile hike back to our boat and she told me, "Mommy, you couldn't have done this when your legs didn't work."