Above all else

The time has come to say our goodbyes. We are packing the car and leaving on Sunday. The week was full of all kinds of lasts, including our last play date. Previously I wrote about the things I will miss in PA. I left one person off that list because I couldn't bear the thought of saying farewell to my dear friend Alison. We met at a mom's group dinner and instantly bonded over birthing style. It also helped that we lived close and our daughters were the same age. As we came to know each other, we realized we had much more in common than The Bradley Method. Alison welcomed me into her life with open arms, knowing full well I was only here a short time. She is one of the most giving, honest, faithful people I know; her strength is unparalleled. Her friendship has been my saving grace these past two years and I am eternally grateful she came into my life!

Still MEF the REF

Those who have known me a long time know that I used to be a basketball official. From the ages of 14-24, I refereed boys and girls basketball at the grade school and high school levels. I really enjoyed this hobby and it gave me a set of skills that I still draw on today. Lately, I feel like most of my days are spent officiating. Our time outs are certainly not limited to four per game day. As you can imagine, most of the infractions around here often involve illegal use of hands. Another common call is charging - mostly on the part of Maggie when she tries to run over Claire with her car or just plain shoves her to the ground. If only I had a possession arrow to keep track of whose turn it is with the moment's favorite toy. Since neither of the girls understand how to share, I am often involved in helping them play by the rules. I look forward to the day when I only have to stop the game if there's blood.