The older Kate

In K's own words:

I am Kate, daughter of Kari. I couldn't write before on this blog because I was far too young, but my sister, Jackie, has before. I am nine years old and in third grade. I like to play soccer. I like to go to school activities. I love to read books (especially comics). I like to make up stories. And I get really creative, sometimes. My sister wants to be in a lot of plays, and so do I.

When I grow up I want to own a restaurant to make people happy, but I'm afraid it won't come true because it takes a lot of work. So so much work.

My teacher is named Miss Dillon, and guess what? She was also my soccer coach! And the teacher who is next-door is Mr. Raker who is so funny! My best friend is named Emily. And my other friend is named Ben. His dad works with my grandma.

My favorite color is ice blue. My favorite season is summer because I get to play with my friends, go to the beach, and eat ice cream!!!! And most of all, having fun!

It's so much fun writing this blog with my mom. That's all about me so far... except, if you have french fries, save one for me. (With no ketchup. I don't like ketchup)

Signed,
Your Angel Cake, Kate

FROM MOM: Dear Angel Cake, I loved your blog post!! You will look back at this one day and laugh and smile at this snapshot of your life when you were 9 years old. Never, never change. You are so funny, and silly, and kind, and funny, and sweet, and funny (did I say that yet?). We love every bit of you.

Mother's Day

Has it really been almost four years since I was last in this space?

 A lot has happened in that time. Some good, some bad. Some sweet, some sad. We have been blessed throughout.

K is finishing up third grade, and J, her freshman year of high school. As cliche as it sounds, where did the time go?  I wish I could go back and really take the time to document all the special moments we've had.  I would've uploaded more photos, videos, and taken more silly little tests like the Jane Austen test I took with J all those years ago.

My girls and I recently rediscovered this blog. For years, I thought it was lost in cyberspace.  When I finally remembered the URL and figured out how to log back in, a treasure trove of memories awaited us.

I'm so thrilled to have these little snapshots of time, and kick myself for all those I missed.  I wonder what my girls will remember of their childhood.  I wonder what stories will become the family folklore, you know, the ones that only come out at big family gatherings.  Will they say, "Oh yeah, mom was always so crazy about that?"  Will they say, with knowing glances, "We are lucky to be normal."

There are, of course, so many things I wish I could go back and redo.  Those country songs about loving deeper and riding a bull named Fu Manchu are so spot on.  At the end of the day, all each of us really wants is to know that when we leave this earth we will have touched people and made lives better.  All I really ever wanted was for my girls to know that I love them more than anything.  I wish I could've been a more nurturing, stronger, fierce mama bear type of mother.

My hope and prayer is that each of my girls will know, no matter what they're going through, that they have number one fans at home.

My other hope, and I tell my girls this often, is that even after we're gone they know they have each other.

I pray that they're the ones each other turns to when they need a friend, advice, or just someone to talk to.

I pray they have coffee dates, time away dates together.

I pray they never forget that they have each other. 

I pray they stay close.