It's all about the Symmetry...

Tonight it was Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches for dinner.

I called out to little Brian, "Do you want me to cut your sandwich in half?"

From the living room came a faint, "Yes, cut it in half."

Just as I completed the slice, Brian rounded the corner and bounced into the kitchen.

He said, "Did you cut it in a line of symmetry?"

I looked down, noticed it was, in fact cut vertically down the center and said, "Yes I did son.".

His face lit up like Christmas and he said, with gleeful exuberance,

"Thank You Mom! Thanks for the line of symmetry!"

Seriously, who would've thought it could be that simple to bring such abounding happiness!

If only we were all so easily pleased!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love this kid?!!!

A Break Necking Pace

Wendy Shatters the Triathlon record,

By finishing all 3 legs at once!

Did you have a cousin your age at your school?
With an uncanny ability to make you feel cool?
A friend from diapers. For hours we played.
We swam in her pool, and beside it we layed.

She hosted the cool parties, all of which I attended.
Others were jealous, when her short guest lists were ended.



She kindly invites me, She quietly supports.
Not many are her equal in virtually all sports.



Lately I find she encourages me more.
Reminds me of social events galore.
High School Reunions and cheerleading pal's.
Girlfriend's with whom I was one of the gals.



When I don't rally to the call.
What is my problem? I don't know at all.

She's trained us for Triathlons, inspired us off our couches.
She's turned us back into athletes, instead of just slouches.

Next week is her birthday and she'll be 31,
On the very day there's a race to be won!

I won't come in first. I really don't care.
I'm just excited to get back out there!

May 9th is the day, we'll be taking by storm.
We'll be testing our nature's and showing good form.

This Triathlon reminds me of seizing the day.
Of not wasting time, choosing at home to stay.



Opportunities await, they knock at our door.
Do we choose to do less? When we ought to do more?

Do we sit on the side lines and heckle the racers?
Do we wish we were them? The real risk takers!

Taking the chances to visit old friends.
Or joining new races, establishing new trends.
On these occasions we are making a choice:
Whether embracing new challenges or hiding in corners,
If we resist opportunity, We're the forlorners.



It's fun to remember the joys from before.
When life was wide open, every avenue left to explore.

It's then that I realize all options are there.
Though I haven't yet tried some, doesn't mean I don't dare.

It's always okay to embrace new change.
Seek out opportunities to broaden my range.

So I continue in motion, I quicken my pace.
I've no time to lose, as on comes my race.

Should I Stay, or Should I go?

I met up with girls from my Westwood High School graduating class of 96.

There were girls I hadn't seen in forever, there were girls I had seen last week.
Two girls left early and left our picture incomplete.

It is funny how many of us have that apprehension.

A sense of, "What will happen when I go and Who will I see?

Will it be fun, awkward, or filled with glee?

Will it be awesome or possibly lame?

What will I wear? Will everyone look and act the same?

If my absolute best friend comes, I know it'll be great.

As long as my cousin goes she could save me from an ill fate.

Sometimes I question, "Why do I want to go?,"

And "What is the point? Does anyone know?."
It's ideal to go with atleast one friend.

This way you can talk if you wish the night would end.

I find despite all the initial anxiety and strain.

It is always fine and the worry was in vain.

Luckily, each face was friendly, the visit was fun, I wish even more of my old friends had come.

So this was the day I decided to go.

Why not see old friends and enjoy people I know?

Memories were rekindled. Stories were told. Embarrassing moments evoked laughter in rolls.

Some friends were abroad, others had plans,

And I am sure some fell victim to their anxieties and invented demands.

I am just glad I didn't my fears placate,

Because life is too short, and they miss out who wait!!

Easter Jubilance

I wanted to share some of our Easter Joys.

Pictures tell the story of My 3 Daw Boys.

First, through the expressions of our little Lincoln.

Consumed lots of candy, exuberantly shared what he was thinkin.

Next comes our Griffin, his enthusiasm can't be bested
He played with every present, and with many he rested.
Lastly, our Brian, made goofy faces 'till we captured this sight.
He inspired the boys to reveal their muscles and fight!
Shirts were removed, while candy was eaten.
Muscles were flexed, yet no one was beaten.
When posing involves muscles, everything is easy.

Expressions are hilarious, and none of them cheesy.

Gap had a clearance on pink shirts for boys.

Who'd have imagined they'd be cheaper than toys?

Reverence was taken for this special day.

Family gathered and feasted away.

One sister was missing, moved not long ago.

Her absence was felt, more than she'll know.

We took time to remember God's special Son.

For His tremendous sacrifice for all, and for one.

This was the best Easter I have preserved thus far.

It captured my tiny treasures, each a brilliant star.

I am grateful to He who protected their light.

For His sacred gift, my heart's true delight.

Sarah Sunshine

I have a sister just 14 months younger. We always shared a room. At night we would stay up late talking and she would tickle my feet as we talked. How lucky am I? If she was overly tired she might snore and I would gently nudge her with those feet and say, "Stop Snoring."

Sarah has a heart of gold. We have always said she is all heart. One of her nick names is Sarah Sunshine, because her happiness is always contagious. She has been known to show up on my door step with a gift of soda and candy. No one could ask for a better sister. She was greatly missed when she moved to Seattle for 2 years. Once she even paid for half my ticket, so I could come visit her in Washington. The beauty of homes nestled amongst pine trees is unparalleled. Even a rare snowfall graced the trees with its glory. I will always treasure that special trip.


There were times as a child I knew what to say to incite anger from her. Intentionally provoking a sibling was always referred to as "pushing their buttons" in our home. Yes, sadly I knew how to push her buttons. I was known to do it from time to time. I think I just loved the attention. Gone are those days of youthful banter. No longer do we share a room of slumber. What does remain are the fond memories of my cherished friend. She knows me best and loves me any way. As children I repeatedly pushed her to the depths of frustration, hoping to bring out those angry words, "I hate you," which signaled victory. I was sure I must be the champion of antagonism. The frailties of youth understanding, it was she who championed patience and long suffering!

Now I invest my energies to see her smile! How I love to see her laugh and I enjoy that special twinkle in her eye. Love to see all she accomplishes with such creative energy. She was born with all the creative genius. I was the lemon on that tree. She is exceptional at sharing her time and talents. She is the master of selflessness.

Today is her 30th Birthday, I wish her all the joy and happiness she so richly deserves! Many of us strive to be more Christlike, her very nature places her further along that path than most. As I travel down that road, I realize she is miles ahead and I must run faster. With age comes wisdom. Sarah has championed the essential virtues of love, kindness, service, honesty, respect, patience, and charity. I am blessed through her example and honored by her friendship! I am so grateful God has placed her love in my life!

Easy to Please

Lincoln's Birthday was a full day of fun.

I believe basketball is intricately woven through the Daw DNA.

What better way to start off the birthday boy than lunch and games at Peter Piper Pizza?

Lincoln and Brian had a great time shooting hoops.

I look forward to planning an elaborate birthday party in the future. In case you didn't catch the subliminal message in the previous statement, thus far the procrastinator within has prevented me from all out birthday extravaganzas.

Luckily, my small children do not know the difference between party extraordinare and cupcakes at the park with family! Griffin was quite impressed by the rings lovingly placed on the cupcakes by Fry's Bakery.

Lincoln had hair raising fun whooshing down the slide and consuming cupcakes. Papa was his best friend for giving him a 3rd cupcake! Thanks Papa!

Blue frosting never tasted so good, nor made such a mess!

My favorite thing about 2 year olds? One present is more than enough. If it weren't for brothers and cousins, the night may never have ended!

Happy 2nd Birthday Lincoln!

Has another year really gone by?

It is surprising how much you have changed in one year.

Just one short year ago, crawling was the preferred mode of transportation.

It seems like only yesterday, standing akwardly was the newest excitement.

And hair was hard to come by.

Climbing aboard play toys was a real challenge,

And enjoying a ride in the stroller was still possible.

Life's little frustrations triggered vivid facial expressions

And occasional tears.

Two teeth were through,
And many others had much work to do.

Standing became an easy affair,

Yet walking seemed a distant care.

As we end this delighful year of one

We must reflect on all you've done.

Running, Climbing, and Teething galore.

We couldn't ask for anything more.

Such a sweet spirit, rarely a cry.

To this year we hate to say goodbye.

Wagon rides were the trend.
Buzz Ne ne, Walle, and Nemo, each a favored friend.

Anything tasty was bound to be savored.

Gum and suckers his favorite, no matter how flavored.

We love little Lincoln, he is such a joy!

We couldn't ask for more from our third little boy!

Happy Birthday Lincoln!