"Say hello to my little friend!"

Jake & Ayden. TWO-OF-A-KIND!! 7/09

Jake brought home a new friend about a year ago, and I can't express what a joy it has been getting to know him. Though neither of them  are teacher's pets...... Understandably. I on the other hand being a visionary kind of parent have had to look on the inside too see out. Let me tell you about his little friend. He has this amazing sense of humor.... One-of-a-kind actually. He should write comedy for a living. I for one appreciate his sense of originality in his choice of clothes. One day he will be wearing a Polo shirt with plaid flannel shorts, the next a zombie t-shirt with a nice pear of black slacks. You just never know with this kid. He keeps me wondering what he's going to be wearing from one day to the next. Jake is attracted to good hearted people. Sometimes he may bring home a Raggedy Ann, or Andy but I can see that big red heart painted on their chest under their tattered shirts.

Love Mom

Me & My Cousin Mysti when we were wee little sprouts. I was so proud of my pearly cat's eye glasses.

Your blog is so you. From the time you were a child I let you choose your own clothes and colors. I enjoyed watching your choices. Sometimes a little surprising, but I would get a good laugh. The bright colors, the checkered shirts with the striped skirts, it was always you. I wanted you to get your own imagination and your own self awareness. Shopping was always so fun for us. We shopped until we dropped. Not buying much, but looking and finding the best buys in town. Your 5 1/2 size shoe and my size 9. You always won out with a new pair because the small sizes were always left. How I always wanted to be a size 5 1/2! Only you and your great grandma Laura had that size. I wish I had kept her shoes for you... I will always regret you not knowing her. I cry as I write this as I wish she were here now, holding my hand and rubbing it in her own special way. I also have great memories of watching you play under the shade tree in Pendleton, with all your friends and all your dolls. Movies have always been a part of the lives of you and Mark. Dad is the beginner of all that, I have a hard time sitting still that long. I would rather be in the garden.

Love Mom