{Rubber-Sol: Why, hello there!}

Summer Pals

Today I was fiddling around in Illustrator, and created this illo for Lil' Miss Kate.  I'm going to have it printed on archival paper, frame it, and hang it in her room.  I sure hope she likes it. :)

Tomorrow we're having a picnic-style birthday party for Alison and Kate.  I have cakes to bake, party favors to pretty-up, and a million other party-related things!  Should be a fun day!  I'll fill you all in later!

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Oh, and so sorry about the temporarily "closed comments" in the raffle post (not sure what happened there!)!  Those folks who entered the raffle via e-mail. . .no worries!  I'm including you too!  In the meantime, if you haven't entered the contest, whattya waiting for?  :)

Etc. + A Raffle!

Summer. 

Despite the fact that SoCal kinda ignored Spring altogether, the summer months are now upon us!  The kidlets are out of school, and now we are faced with long, warm days ahead of us!  I foresee evening bbqs, dinners outside on our patio, and perhaps even some Summer Lawnchair Theater evenings (those are always fun!).  Tomorrow I'm signing  Alison and Henry up for swimming lessons;  I'm coordinating Alison's lessons with her good pal's lessons. . .so, you know, the mamas can chat and talk chismes (gossip).

Yes, always an alterior motive! That's okay, don't you think? Ha! Of course it is!

Our summer days will also be filled with dayhikes, library trips, crafting, bike riding, swimming . . .basically all the fun stuff that summer entails!  Should be a fun one!  My neighbor and I also plan to start rollerblading on the banks that run behind my house!  Me! Rollerblades!  Who woulda thunk?!

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The Paper Princess has been keeping me super busy, and I'm excited to announce that I have (finally) added my new cards.  (Thanks Hope for your continual support and encouragement!)

I am also thrilled to announce our new SUBSCRIPTION PROGRAM! Check it when you get the chance! :)  I'd also like to offer two things:

• A 25% discount code:  SUMMER -- that's for all y'all for being such great folks.  Good til the end o' June.  And. . .drumroll please. . .

• Another lil' raffle

Win one of the fabulous noteflat sets above FOR FREE!!!  Simply tell me a joke (knock knocks are always a hoot!), a random bit about you, or an utterly useless bit of trivia! Anything goes, really!  That's it!  I'll randomly choose FIVE WINNERS --  on June 30th?  Sound good?!  Hope so!

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And be sure to wander on over to Jes' new site, JUNQUE REVIVAL -- she's having a fantabulous contest! Free entry and FABULOUS PRIZES. I'm headin' on over now!

**** And I'd also like to thank you for the sweet birthday wishes (and gifties!) for both me and sweet Kate!  Photos to be posted shortly!

365.

Dear Kate,
Sometimes I see you playing across the room from me, and the moment is so surreal and beautiful.  There you are, my baby, my beautiful Kate, playing, laughing, clapping.  There you are busy forming your own little world separate from me, and in moments like this, I find myself selfishly interrupting you as if to remind you that yes, Mama is here with you. 

One year ago today we welcomed you into our little family, and the knowledge that you were our last and final addition has made me savor each and every minute.  From the very first moment when they placed your warm body onto mine to the most recent moment today when you nuzzled your sleepy head against my chest, I realized how truly blessed I am to experience your love.

Your innocent love is so genuine and raw, and you express it in ways that only your mama can appreciate.  I recognize your love for me when I see your eyes light up at the simple sight of me entering a room.  I feel the love in your laughter and hums of happiness, and I recognize your love for me when you find comfort in my arms.

Your future is full of hope and brimming with endless possibilities, and there are days when I think about the future, and I wonder what kind of person you will be.  Will you be shy and determined like your sister?  Will you be funny and rambunctious like your brother? Or will you be a beautiful combination of both?  Time will only tell, but for now I am content knowing that you are growing your own wings, preparing yourself for an amazing journey.  I await the day that you’re ready to fly on your own with a bittersweet mixture of emotion.  Regardless of the path you take, always remember that I will be here for you when you need to retreat home.

Today I revel in the fact that I am your mama, your everything.  Each moment with you is a gift of future memories waiting to be honored.  I hope never to forget what it feels like to have you fall asleep in my arms, your heavy breathing a sign of your complete surrender to slumber.  I hope never to forget the happiness I feel when I pluck you from your crib each morning, your body sleepy and warm, your face happy to greet the day. 

Over the years our relationship will grow and change, and yes, there will be times when you will want your distance from me.  And in those times I will remember, I will cherish these moments of today. These moments when I am your everything.

Thank you, Kate.  Thank you for trusting me and loving me unconditionally.  Thank you for letting me be your mama.

Happy 1st Birthday!
Love you forever,
Mama