Here is a mother. Here is one of the top role models in society today. Do I love her? Yes. Do I wish I was her? Yes. Some people would say I am following a pipe dream not set in reality. Then why did I open this email tonight and wince? Dreams might be closer than we realize. The worst part is, these are things I think of often.

From the parents group I belong to (over 3,000 members):

Mother's Night Out
When: Jan. 22nd 7-10pm
Speakers:

* Looking your best for 2011 by (omitted name), professional image and style consultant

Wine appreciation by (omitted name), mom, lead for (omitted company) and a gal with great sense of humor
- Wine for your health: Calories & carbs, benefits and justifications
- What's in a glass? Selecting the right glass for the job, why it matters and when it doesn't
- Selecting wines: Price, Preference, and Pairing
- Leftover wine: Don't let it go to waste!

Girl Friend's Guide to Plastic Surgery by (omitted name), a Stanford and fellowship trained Plastic Surgeon, mother of three, private practice for over a decade. She believes in education and subtle, natural looking results. Come and ask your questions about anything from noninvasive ways to surgeries. She will be honest and informative.

Dance moves for 2011 - get your groove back(no dance skills required) by (omitted name), dance instructor

Light dinner and drinks served


I am trying really hard to love this area, but it is slowly dragging me into the "should be" category instead of the "can be" way of thinking. It is up to me to put down the wine glass, forego the plastic surgery pamphlets, and walk right by the Sephora store at the mall. Then what? What the heck am I supposed to do with my time/energy. I hope I figure that out before my sons really understand the world around them.

By the way, the new season of the Bachelor started (wink, wink).

Blessed

I am blessed that these two things were in my life tonight.

Chocolates from Paris:


Chocolate cake from America:


Only nine days until I meet with a nutritionist to curb my sugar cravings/eating habits. Yeah, good luck with that. Thank goodness I only have to pay a $10 copay. I figure it is worth a shot.

Farm To Parking Lot

Oh, the experience of a farm in a parking lot. So much to ogle.

Hot chocolate because it was cold:


Mmm, temptation:


Better choices:


Land 'O honey:


Back at G'parent's house. Ellen made some yummy toast with fresh bread, tomatoes, and cheese. Relaxed minds and tummies:

Brothers

They are now brothers. They have always been brothers, but these days are filled with two-way conversations and actions. I just sit back (and intervene when needed) and watch the show. Their connection makes me smile.

Drive By Beaching

We took the van to the mechanics this morning for one last (minor) thing to be done before we sell it. That meant we had to drop Andrew off at work on our way back to Palo Alto. The kids were all dressed, fed, and antsy from being in the car so I decided to push the envelope and keep driving to the beach. What a great winter trip to the beach. The waves were so big they were crashing onto the sidewalks. It was great to teach Blake the difference between the winter ocean and the summer ocean.

It was gorgeous:


Reade touching his own version of the beach:


Daydreaming:


We ate at a cute cafe, combed the beach, and then headed to the local library to read some stories about the ocean. I love old, small libraries with adorable children's sections:


The beach air helped clear my head a bit.

A Quilt In Action

Reade loves the quilt his grandmother made him. It is so colorful, useful, and comfy.

Showing his delight:


Blake also loves it and has it on his bed (breaking it in for Reade):


Ellen made Blake a matching pillow with the transporter print on the inside. Blake insisted it be turned inside out and uses it every night. Will this turn into that one item that creates meltdowns on the days it has to be washed? Giraffe-y and dolly posing as Blake:

Christmas Quilt

Here is the quilt I made for my sister for Christmas. While it may not be the most pleasing thing to look at, it has wonderful memories sewn together. My Nana let me rifle through her remnant stash so each piece of fabric (minus the new edging) meant the world to me. There were scraps from the clothing she made us when we were kids, as well as left overs from homemade clothing still hanging in her closet. Sewing this quilt was like opening a treasure chest in my heart. I hope my sister enjoys it as much as I do.

One side:


and the other:


Tomorrow, I will showcase the wonderful quilt Ellen made for Reade (does it matter if Blake uses it every day?). Now that quilt is so pleasing on the eyes. Reade used one hand to steady himself on Blake's bed this morning and one hand to rub his quilt. It was so adorable to watch his tiny hand explore the quilt in the exact way Ellen had in mind.