Summer

Brought to you by the series "Ivy and Bean." Frankly, I'm not sure I get the big attraction about the adventure of two little girls. But, I am looking forward to book club.

Picture time

For whatever reason, the only photos I take these days are of the girls in sunglasses.

Black eye blues

Carol got kicked in the face at the pool today. She had a series of little hormonal-like breakdowns today over this event.

And sometimes, the most comforting embrace doesn't come from mom.

And that's how you make mom cry

This has been a busy summer. We've been riding bikes around town. Going to the pool. Hanging out in the backyard. Obviously, we've been much, MUCH too busy to peruse the internets.

But I just had to write about a package Carol received this week. It was soft, so I figured she left a jacket or some pants or something of a clothy nature at a friend's house, and they politely mailed them back to her. I didn't open it until she got home.

In the package was two stuffed rats. I'll admit. I didn't so much like where this was going. Who is sending rats to my daughter in the mail?!?! Because that's just weird.

But inside was a letter from Carol's librarian (the most wonderful teacher in the world) at Metcalf (the most wonderful school in the world). I can't possibly convey the message without just quoting it here.

Dear Carol,

I remember one day how you were so gentle and caring when others were saying how bad rats were. You are a lot like me when I was a little girl. You have a wonderful heart. I hope you always choose to be wise and careful but continue to see the possibility for beauty in all things. In honor of your kind heart, please give a good home to two of my creatures. Choose one and share one with you little sister.

And that, my friends, is how you make mom cry.