A Summons for Blessings

Today's recipients of the KLASS Award (Keeping Lee Alert, Sane and Smiling) are Miss Lavinia Spalding and Miss Aimee Ringle.

Lavinia gave me a book this past fall called "The Diaper Diaries: The Real Poop on a New Mom's First Year". (Yeah, just the title is enough to make you laugh, right?) Cynthia Copeland wrote it with the express intention of reminding new moms that while taking the rollercoaster-worthy learning curves of motherhood, laughter is a habit worth acquiring: "Despite the exhaustion, frustration, and sheer terror that accompany new parenthood, there are funny moments to be cherished and shared". I have been laughing my way through this book all day, and not a moment too soon! This afternoon, Olivia and I are spending less time on each other's nerves and more time in each other's arms.

Aimee came to Madison this past weekend and gifted the Hayes family with four new mix CDs. God bless Ringle mixes! For anyone who has the honor of owning a Ringle mix CD, you will no doubt agree with me that they are truly the creme de la creme of mixes. For the past couple of days, I have been cycling through Belated Wedding Mix, Mix for the New 'Rents, Lullaby Mix for Olivia, and Hella Cool Mix. The music alternately inspires tears, laughter, dancing, smiles, held breaths, deep breaths and all throughout, great, great Love. Aimee, I'll weave your words back to you: "When I need to remember that the sacred, the beloved, and the friggin' nifty delights of life can be found all in one place, I think of you."

Thank you, ladies!