DIDN'T WE COVER THIS IN PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING?
RULE #3
Never mock your wife for having a chocolate stash.

RULE #2
Instead, a husband must try very hard to appreciate and understand the importance of the stash.

RULE #1
Never take the last Ghirardelli dark chocolate caramel square from your wife's stash and leave the empty bag (insert dramatic gasp here) without fessing up to the crime or replacing it with something of equal or greater value within minutes of the incident.

Bottom line: A stash isn't a stash without the goods. Don't mess.

TWINKLE
It's been 22 days we lost Casey's dad. Just the other day we were sitting side-by-side in his cozy, memory-filled living room talking about the remodel, the lake, pre-school, licorice, cookies, Casey, our dreams at night, my dad . . . and about losing someone you love. Over the years I've heard people talk about the tremendous respect they had for him as Mayor, how he was a tough negotiator, and how he ran a tight ship at home. But when I think about him, one word comes to mind: sweet. In my mind, Mr. Sullivan was the epitome of sweet. And love. And gentle. And warmth. And kindness.

And his eyes really did twinkle.

Especially when he was in the presence of, and talking about, the love of his life, his children and his grandchildren. My heart breaks for Casey because I know. I feel sad for Tierney and Parker because they probably won't remember Grandpa. But we will certainly show them pictures, and tell stories, and share memories and celebrate him every day which will hopefully paint a clear picture of everything and all that he was.

But for now, Grandpa is on vacation-- an extended trip where he is finally with Grandma, Gramps and Nana. Among many things (the moms having already exchanged soup recipes), I envision Grandma asking Mr. Sullivan, "What took you so long?" . . . Nana wanting to know all about the details of the children and grandchildren . . . and Gramps, with a wide grin on his face and a scotch in each hand, asking him, "Can I buy you a drink?" as he anticipates finally telling Mr. Sullivan his version of the break-in story.

THE ODD COUPLE
Summer fun in the backyard-- clothing optional.

KARMA?
My mom trying to take just 5 minutes to herself under the sun while camping. Instead, I'm right there in her mug doing everything in my power to keep that from happening.

COOL BEANS, UNCLE DAN ! ! !

A QUOTE WORTH SHARING:
My daughter Parker (2.5) to me while changing her diaper earlier: "Mommy, I need some lotion."
Me (with Desitin in hand): "Where should we put the lotion?"
Parker: "On my ath!!"
Me: "Um, where?"
Parker: "On my ath!"
Me: "On your ass?"
Parker: "Yeth."

Oops.

FIRST SHINER
Clad in her Cinderella dress, Tierney Jean sports her first black eye acquired by flying frisbee thrown by national champion Daddy Sullivan.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

BLARNEY
A few pictures from my dads trip to Ireland in 2005. The first one is a picture of my uncle kissing the Blarney Stone, the second is a beautiful picture of Blarney Castle and the last one is my dad after having just kissed the stone. According to an Irish legend, those who kiss the Blarney Stone receive a gift of eloquence that enables them to obtain, through persuasion, anything they want. It's a silly picture of my dad (click to enlarge, tee-hee) and it makes me smile every time I see it. I can only imagine he had something funny to say to the gentleman helping him back up after planting his big smooch.

NOT EXACTLY A TEA PARTY
In an attempt to take a wild departure from our dinner routine, I decided it would be fun to have a "picnic" with the girls... we'd pull out a blanket, find our fabulous tea cups for sipping some delicious peach-orange-mango fruit juice, and eat dinner in the living room. I was unsuccessful at finding the tea cups (and feeling much pressure to perform once the announcement had been made that we were going to be dining on the floor), and grabbed the first thing that I saw . . .

So it's not exactly what I had in mind (nor Parker apparently), but it worked. And eventually the shame that I felt for using martini glasses as a substitute for tea cups was overshadowed by the excitement on their faces when I handed them their "big girl" glasses. According to them, it was a fabulous tea party.

ROMANCE
Here is one of my favorite photos of my parents. It was taken in Hawaii where my dad was serving in the U.S. Navy as an officer and my mom was working as a registered nurse at a local hospital. They met on a blind date.

I've always wondered who took this photo and if they knew just how much they captured.

A QUOTE WORTH SHARING
My daughter Tierney (4) to me: "Mommy, did God make flowers?"
Me: "Yes, sweetie."
Tierney: "Mommy, I don't want God to make Home Depot."

I promise I didn't pay her to say that. Really.

JANUARY 16 / 09
Today marks one year since my dads passing. The words don't come easy for me, so what better way to celebrate him than to do so via his words, via his writing. His passion for sailing will inspire me forever.

"But once back aboard, life get good again. Since man first went to sea mariners around the globe have rested themselves and their vessels in unnamed bays, coves and harbors. For most sailors I've known there's something almost spiritual about being at anchor.The gentle rocking of the boat, the silence broken only by the whistling of the wind in the rigging is intoxicating. It's why we do what we do." (~ entry from Captain Tierney's ship log S /V Golden Eagle / 7 29 2005 ~)

We miss you, Daddy.