Category: Blog

I have always appreciated makeup and what it can do for my face. Smooth my skin tone, hide blemishes, brighten my cheeks and eyes, add a touch of color. It’s fun for me to play with makeup. As I’ve gotten busier with family and responsibilities, I have less time to “fuss” with makeup in the mornings, so I try to stick with the basics. I’ve also noticed the trend to go more natural, using products that don’t have synthetic chemicals. Here are a few non-toxic options, most can be found at the local drug store, and all of them online.

Burt’s Bees

This line of makeup is made with “ingredients born from nature. Products that work to support the life of your skin.” The goal of their products is to “make you feel your beautiful best because of how they’re made, not in spite of it. Some of my favorites are their lip balm, (Vanilla Bean and Black Cherry are super yummy!) and their natural moisturing lip shimmer. It conditions  with antioxidant-rich fruit oils leaving your lips soft and moisturized. They use sunflower oil, Vitamin E and the refreshing tingle of peppermint oil. I love how it makes my lips feel and look. I don’t feel like I’ve “put on makeup” so much as enhanced my own natural beauty. A wonderful feeling! They also offer tinted lip balm, and lip stick, as well as a full line of beauty products. You can find Burt’s Bees at your local drug store or online here.

Real Purity

This beauty line uses only the highest quality botanicals and plant-derived ingredients to make naturally good-for-you cosmetics at affordable prices. Sound good? Check out their website for a full list of products.  I especially like that they offer a bath and body line, with gentle soothing and non-irritating products to clean and refresh even the most sensitive skin. They also list products that are safe for children, which is helpful for moms who want to shop for natural  alternatives. Items include: organic stick deodorant, styling hair gel, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, among other things. You can also find them on Amazon here.

Ecco Bella

This line of organic products brings science and beauty together naturally. What makes them different from others is their use of GMO-free soy, liposome VitaminCells. This exclusive formulation allows the nutrients and vitamins to stay protected, keeping the skin care active till the last drop. They feature a doctor approved, mist-on toner vitamin spray. You can find it here. Cool, huh? Also check out their Two Week Vitamincells Skin Care Kit here. And they offer some lovely Eau de Parfums using aromatherapy, to help you smell good and feel good. You can find them on Amazon here.

Physicians Formula

It’s easy to find this beauty line in most drug stores. They “never allow any of the 150+ known skin irritants into anything we make. Allergists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, and plastic surgeons recommended.” They are America’s #1 Bronzer Brand and Mineral Face Powder Brand. You can visit their website here. I have tried their Organic Wear Pressed Powder, and liked it very much. You can find it here.

For more information about which beauty products are non-toxic and safe, visit Think Dirty. They are an independent product-comparison app for personal and skincare products. It educates consumers about the potential toxic ingredients and empowers consumers to make healthy and safe choices. It can be a great tool to check on beauty products, before you buy. Whatever beauty choices you make, be sure you are comfortable with yourself. YOU make the makeup shine, not the other way around.

   -Henry David Thoreau

When I came across this quote, I liked it so much I put it up on my office wall. Now it’s right in front of me, inspiring me to continue, even when I don’t feel like it. I know I will have to work hard to achieve my dreams. I’d rather they just come to me easily and quickly without sweat, blood and tears. But that has not been my experience. If you’re like me trying hard to reach a goal that seems out of reach, here are 5 practical steps to help along the way.

1) Find someone you trust to hold you accountable

If you can find a person whom you trust to be there when you need encouragement, it can make all the difference in reaching your goals. Just knowing someone else is aware of your challenge and cheering you on, can keep you from quitting. For me, that person is my sister. She is my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me when I’m feeling hopeless and down, and providing a good “reality check” when necessary.

2) Make small goals that lead you to accomplish your big goal

When you look at the big picture, it can seem overwhelming. So break it down into bite sized pieces, allowing yourself to see each step as an accomplishment. After all, we don’t reach out destination by flying (unless you’re Peter Pan!) we take it one step at a time. So find some quiet time to sit down and write out the small steps you plan to take, in order to reach your larger goal. It can make a big difference in how you view your progress. And it’s fun to check things off your list as you go, making the whole process seem more attainable.

3) Find sources of daily encouragement that speak positive messages into your life (inspirational quotes, books, blogs, articles, podcasts, etc.)

Look for sources of inspiration and encouragement to keep you “filled up” every day. I like to read inspirational quotes from famous women who led amazing lives. It makes me feel like I can accomplish great things, too. Motivational books can also inspire and teach us how to make the most of our strengths and overcome our weaknesses. If we cultivate good sources of positive messages, it can make a difference when things get tough and we’re tempted to give up. We can reach for those sources and find the strength to take another step and keep going.

4) Re-evaluate your goals on a regular basis to make sure you are heading in the right direction

Even with a good map (or a good plan) we can get side-tracked and need to make course adjustments. When you take time to re-evaluate your goals on a regular basis you can more easily catch yourself if you’re slipping, and correct the situation. You can always re-write your goals and make changes as you go. This step is something I’ve really had to focus on personally, as I can easily get distracted and forget where I’m at in the process (…by the way, was that the delivery man at the door? I think I’ll go see if that new book I ordered got delivered…) It’s just too easy to lose focus!

5) Get back up when you fail (because you will!)

We all fail. It’s just a fact of life. A painful one, for me. I’m so tired of falling flat on my face and having to pick myself up and try again. But that’s exactly why I’m writing this blog! To encourage you (and myself) to get back up and try again. And again. And again. Because NOT trying is worse than trying and failing. What we need is TENACITY. Here’s the definition:

TENACITY =

persistence, determination, perseverance, doggedness, strength of purpose, tirelessness, indefatigability, resolution, resoluteness, resolve, firmness, patience, purposeful ness, staunchness, steadfastness, staying power, endurance, stamina, stubbornness, intransigence, obstinacy… NEVER GIVE UP

How’s that for a shot-in-the-arm? I say, give me some tenacity any day! (If someone could bottle it up and sell it, they’d be rich). Here’s one of my favorite inspirational quotes. I think it sums things up quite nicely.

“I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy.

I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.”

-Art Williams

I hope your journey takes you to wonderful places. And hopefully, these 5 practical steps will help you reach your goals, too.

I recently stumbled upon a fascinating book called “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls. It is a memoir of her childhood, and the unique family she grew up in.    Then I heard a movie was made based on the book, starring Woody Harrelson and Brie Larson. After watching it, I decided to give my review of both the book, and the movie.

Vivid Memoir

The book had me hooked from page one. Jeannette writes as if she is in the moment – her memories are so vivid and clear – and she takes you there with her. It is both disturbing and wonderful. Her family was very dysfunctional. Her father was a manipulative, alcoholic with big dreams that rarely matched reality, and an artsy, free-spirited mother who loathed domesticity in all its forms. Jeannette and her three siblings were pretty much left to fend for themselves. It was a modern-day social workers nightmare.

To Rise Above

Through all the dysfunction, neglect and poverty (we’re talking starvation here), the Walls children took care of each other, showing incredible loyalty, love and resiliency. In the end, they all made their way to New York City to find education, careers, and a better life. It amazes me how each one of them, in their own way, was able to rise above their history and apparently lead healthy, functional lives.

Despite all she has gone through, Jeannette is able to view her past with objectivity, insight and forgiveness. She has turned her sad memories into a beautiful reminder to us all that the human spirit cannot be crushed. Hardships can make us stronger and grateful for what we have.

When I watched the movie, I was pleased to see the acting was good, and the script writers seemed to do a nice job capturing the essence of the main characters. However, the movie seemed to “gloss over” some of the more traumatic experiences, and did not show the raw desperation of the family’s situation and trials they went through. It wasn’t bad, but I still prefer the book over the movie. The book has a depth and details that a movie could never show. Jeannette’s “voice” takes you right into the story, and captures your imagination. She is a wonderful writer, with an amazing life story to tell. It is a book you won’t soon forget.    You can find out more about her book here, and the movie here. Let me know your thoughts about the book and/or movie.

These three ladies each made a mark on the world, in their own distinct ways. Their appearance, lifestyles and backgrounds may be different, but each woman has this in common:  The were strong and beautiful.

And they were Hollywood stars.

High Society: The Life of Grace Kelly

by Donald Spoto

In his biography of Grace Kelly, this bestselling author gives us an honest and accurate look at the life of one of hollywood’s most radiant stars.

From a shy young convent schoolgirl, to a poised actress who featured in eleven movies, Grace loved the challenge of acting. And the camera loved her face. Two of her most famous roles came in High Noon, and To Catch a Thief. She became one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses and an iconic beauty.

When Grace retired from acting at age twenty-six, to marry a European prince, she took on the greatest role of her life: the Princess of Monaco. Her life became a balancing act that was never easy. She eventually had to give up her dream of ever acting in movies again.

Spoto waited twenty-five years after her death to write this biography, at her request. It includes never before quoted interviews and details about her personal life from friends, colleagues and the famous director Alfred Hitchcock. This amazing glimpse allows us to see what actually lay behind what appeared to be her fairy-tale life.  You can find the book here.

Enchantment: The Life of Audrey Hepburn

by Donald Spoto

When most people think of “Audrey” they think of elegance, grace and style. In this funny and deeply heartfelt biography, the intensely private Audrey is revealed and we are invited to fall in love with her all over again. I certainly did!

The author was given access to studio archives, friends and colleagues who knew and loved Audrey, and was able to provide an intimate and moving account of this beautiful, elusive and talented woman.

From a childhood in Nazi-controlled Holland during World War II to her years as a struggling ballet dancer, to starring in some of the most popular movies of the twentieth century, to working on behalf of UNICEF, Audrey lived an amazing life. She was a woman of tenderness, and strength learned through adversity.

Some of her most famous movies were Roman Holiday, Sabrina, Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and My Fair Lady. She became a fashion icon and Hollywood sweetheart. But behind the glamor, the real Audrey was a different and deeper person and a woman who craved love and affection.  You can find the book here. Another book I enjoyed which contains georgeous photos of the actress is, “Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon“.

Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland

by Gerald Clarke

Judy lived her life on stage, screen, and in real life, with highs that made history and lows that finally brought about her death at age forty-seven. Although she died over thirty years ago, no biography has so completely captured her spirit -and her struggles – until now.

Here presented in all her flawed glory, the author shows us the inside story of the cold-hearted businessmen who controlled so much of the Hollywood machine, and the people who helped her reach so many creative goals, and yet also sowed seeds of self-destruction, leaving her alone and hopeless after each fall.

From child performer to a vibrant screen career, here is Judy Garland in all her magic: the woman, the star, the legend. Although she never found the strength to overcome her demons, she was a brave, bold and beautiful woman in her own right.

Today is very unusual for me. My eldest son made it to the regional Spelling Bee, so I picked him up from school early and took him over to participate. When it was his turn to spell, I realized I was as nervous as he was – or more so! Being a parent has its ups and downs – but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. He did great, and I felt so proud of him. It was a good experience for him to participate in.

Coffee and a Treat

Afterward, I saw I had a few hours before school was out so I decided to make a stop at Starbucks for coffee and a treat (parents deserve rewards too, when their kids do good, right?), and took the opportunity to sit and write. I usually write earlier in the day, but today is different. I feel like my routine is all out-of-whack. Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?  Not sure, but it’s too late now to change it.

I was thinking about how, as a student, I would have loved to have the chance to participate in a spelling bee. I LOVED spelling and words. Still do. I think I would have done really well, and maybe even made it to the state competition, with some hard work and practice. Even when kids don’t make it to the next round, or the next level, it’s so good for them to at least try. If you never get the opportunity to try, you won’t know how far you can go, right?

For my son, the challenge of a new experience was satisfying enough. He got a taste, and if he decides to try again next year, he will have some idea of what he’s getting into. He knows now that it takes hard work, focus, and maybe a little luck. (You never know what words you’re going to get. You may get the hardest word on your list).

As I think about my children’s school, I am so thankful for what they are learning and the environment they are in. I think that knowledge in a vaccum isn’t very useful or fun. Learning and studying with others can be very exciting and inspiring for everyone. The students also have the opportunity to use the knowledge they gain in a group setting to brainstorm ideas and form different opinions. My eldest son is especially social and finds the group learning opportunities to be stimulating and beneficial. He gets excited about group projects and seeing other student’s ideas, which in turn, can inspire his own.

Make A Difference

I hope all my children have the opportunity to use and share the knowledge they are gaining now, to make a difference in their world. Whatever they end up doing, wherever they go, I hope they take these experiences with them. And who knows… maybe someday one of my children will make it to a state spelling bee! (If I was nervous this time, just wait!) And I’ll make sure there’s a Starbucks nearby for me to write about that experience too. But if not, I’ll still be cheering them on in whatever they do. Because I’m their mom, and cheering for them is what I do best. 

After having my first child, my life was forever changed. Different routine, different focus, different body, different everything!  Looking in the mirror one day, I could hardly recognize myself. Who was this woman? Was my old identity gone forever?

If you’ve ever questioned who you are after kids, you are not alone. Many women have trouble transitioning over into motherhood. I loved my kids and would give my life for them. I just didn’t know how to keep my identity in the midst of raising little ones.

Some moms take on the “mommy role” to the point where they lose their individuality and their identity becomes completely wrapped up in their children. This isn’t healthy. For the kids, or the mom. I know, because I struggled to break free of this myself.

Finding a Balance

There is a fine balance between taking care of your family, and taking care of yourself. What do you need in order to thrive, as a mom?  Some women need a monthly night out with girlfriends, to relax and laugh and not be interrupted by children every five seconds. (Ditto!) Others need quiet time to themselves to find refreshment and get recharged. It is VITAL that we moms make time/take time to get away and “feed” ourselves. In order for us to continue giving of ourselves to our spouses, children, parents and everyone around us, we need to take time to fill up.

I admit, I am terrible at this. I often don’t notice the signs until I’m having a minor breakdown and my sweet husband asks me, “Have you taken any time for yourself lately?”  Oops.  It takes work to keep myself healthy and keep my identity separate from my kids.

Writing and Walking

By keeping my identity, I mean that I have hobbies and activities that are separate from my kids’ hobbies and activities. For instance, I like to write and take walks with a friend. I do these things separately from my kids. And it’s healthy, for them and for me.

Do you have an activity (besides work) that you can do separately from your kids? Do you have interests that don’t revolve around your kids? If not, take a moment to sit down and consider who you want to be.

To me, being a great mom doesn’t mean I completely disappear into my kids’ lives. It means I try every day to show my kids how to be compassionate, strong, creative, healthy people – all while being the best mom I can be. Now that’s an identity worth fighting for.

Here I am again, preparing to travel in a car for 2 days with three kids and a dog.  What!?  I know I’m not the only one who dislikes travel – even though it’s worth it to see family. The preparations and packing are a necessary part of the process, but I’d prefer to snap my fingers and be done with it. I realize the mental picture of packing is half the battle, and if I can get past that it’s not so bad. The hard part is worrying that I’m going to forget something crucial. (This is the reason for “overpacking”).

Everything (and) the Kitchen Sink

When my kids were little – toddlers, infants, and the like – I was continually worrying that I wasn’t packing enough diapers (although they can easily be found at any grocery and drug store), that I didn’t have enough Tylenol, Motrin or whatever medicine might be needed for the emergencies of life, and on top of all that…. did I forget to pack my toothbrush?  I admit, my stuff was the last thing to get packed, and at that point I was too flustered to think through what I might actually need. I envy the moms who can think straight in these types of situations – the moms who pack two weeks in advance and make detailed lists of everything they need to pack, and in what order to do it. I just don’t have that gift.

Instead, I would obsess about what to pack, and put off doing anything until a few days before leaving. The details just overwhelmed me. Finally, I would begin a mad-rush to throw together whatever I thought would be appropriate. Often asking my husband, “How many pairs of underwear should I pack?  Seven or ten?”  He usually came up with a sensible answer. Poor man.

Life Goes On…

My kids have grown, and as they are older and (slightly) more responsible, I have less to worry about when it comes to packing. I make a list (at my daughter’s insistence) and have them use it to pack their own suitcases. Even my five-year-old can pack his own suitcase. Although I do check it afterward and make changes as necessary. It’s so refreshing to not have to pack diapers, a diaper bag, and all the essentials for babies/toddlers. Now I can focus more on my own packing and what I’ll need to take. Wow! Image that!

This time around, I found myself packing four days before we were supposed to leave (a record!) and this took much of the stress out of the process. I admit, I still worried that I wasn’t bringing enough underwear or medicines. But I remembered my toothbrush!

If you are still in the middle of the toddler/baby years, take heart. Life goes on. Someday soon you too will be able to leisurely pack your own bag, and hopefully your kids will be able to pack their own. And you can leave the kitchen sink at home. And the diapers, too.

When I was a young girl, I fell in love with the pioneer stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the adventures of nineteen-year-old schoolteacher Christy, in the Appalachian Mountains, and the spunky dreamer Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables. As well as devouring the books, I loved watching the TV series of these strong, adventurous women. As a young girl, these women’s lives were a great example to me of the kind of person I wanted to become: bold, brave, compassionate and loyal.

When I first saw the TV series “Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman”, I fell in love with it in the same way as the others. I enjoyed watching “Dr. Mike” fight for the right to be respected as a female doctor on the Western frontier. Her determination and grit was an inspiration to me. Although a fictional character, she is at the top of my list of strong, accomplished females I admire.

Do you remember watching any of these fantastic TV series?  They are great for families of all ages. And if you have a daughter, one of these stories just might inspire her to do amazing things, too. Check out my list below and head to your local library to watch them today – for free!

#1 – Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983)

Starring : Michael Landon, Melissa Gilbert

*This original series became an instant classic, a favorite of families everywhere for the wholesome values and true story of the courageous pioneer family. You can find it here, or at your local library.

Little House on the Prairie (2006)

Starring: Cameron Bancroft, Erin Cottrell

*This modern adaptation of the Little House movies sticks close to the events in the books, while offering strong acting and beautiful cinematography. This version is a favorite of my children. You can find a copy here.

#2 – Anne of Green Gables (1986)

Starring: Megan Follows, Colleen Dewhurst

*Based on the books, the wholly original, imaginative and dreamy Anne Shirley captured many a young girl’s heart. (I wanted to BE her!) Be sure to watch all of the adventures of Anne in the collection. Find it here.

#3 – Christy (1994-1995)

Starring: Kellie Martin, Tyne Daly

*Based on the book by Catherine Marshall, I remember watching this series in my living room with family. It was wholesome and uplifting, with excellent acting and themes of faith, determination and friendship. I was very disappointed when they pulled the series, without showing us who Christy marries. (You can find this out in the book). Later on, they made several more Christy movies, but none can match the quality of that first TV series. The original version with Kellie Martin, is my favorite. Find the complete series here.

#4 – Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman (1993-1998)

Starring: Jane Seymour, Joe Lando

*This historical drama featured free-spirited Dr. Michaela “Mike” Quinn, an independent woman who leaves her Boston home to become one of the first female doctors on the Western frontier. She faces many challenges and trials, but also finds love and a family along the way. An award-winning series, for its historical accuracy, and ongoing modern relevancy today, this series is one of my all-time favorites. I love the quality acting and the wonderful characters. Click here to find Season 1, or look for them all at your local library.

When I started looking around for an indoor cage for my two bunnies, I wanted something portable, easy to assemble, and cheap. Seemed like a reasonable request, right? I’m afraid it wasn’t that easy. I found lots of small cages at large prices, in pet stores and online. But nothing that worked for me. Then one day I stumbled across the best DIY cage ever!  This type of cage is great for rabbits, guinea pigs, small dogs, kittens, and other small animals. Here’s what I found…

WIRE STORAGE CUBES

On Amazon.com (or any number of other stores online) you can find wire storage cubes. The kind you build and take apart to fit your space and storage needs. They are durable and easy to put together. I saw pictures on Pinterest that made me want to build my own custom cage with storage cubes, too. (Check out my album here).

I purchased three packages with four cubes in each (12 assembled cubes total), and designed my own cage – stacking two grids high. Since I first set it up, I have changed the cage around at least seven times (or more, according to my husband), and every time it’s different. My bunnies seem to love the change of scenery – and it’s fun for me to experiment.  I have pictures below of the first set up, and several after that. My current design is smaller (4 grids x 4 grids), but incorporates two levels, a lower and higher one, which they enjoy jumping up and down to reach, and taking naps on.

My first indoor storage cube cage. What fun!    My current cage setup with two different levels for variety. To enter, I open one of the grids with hinges on the front.

SETTING UP YOUR CAGE

You may find you like to change things up with your cage every few weeks, or simply set it up and leave it as is for longer. What I like about this cage are the many options you have to customize, and the ease of cleaning it – just spray the floor of the cage and wipe.  I found a vinyl flooring remnant and use that on the bottom of the cage to protect the floor. It works great – as long as there aren’t any seams for your curious pet to chew on. One of my cage set ups had a seam showing, and the bunnies made quick work of finding and chewing holes in it. I had to put some bricks over the seam to keep them from getting to it. No seam showing is best.

FUN CAGE OPTIONS

With this type of cage you can hang a water bottle from the side of the grids, or use a gravity water bowl like this one at PetCo.  I use a heavy ceramic dish for my rabbit’s food, and scatter toys throughout their cage, or hang them from the grids.

For a door into the cage, you can use large binder clips or zip ties for hinges to open one or two stacked grids.You can enclose the cage on all sides, or leave the top open so you can easily step in and out of the cage.

Depending on what kind of pet you have, you can lay old towels or soft blankets on the floor of the cage for bedding. Just make sure your critters don’t eat them!

I’d love to hear your ideas for storage cube cages, and please send pictures if you can. If you find a good deal on storage cubes, it will be even cheaper. I use my cage for my two rabbits, but you could use it for other small animals like guinea pigs, kittens, small dogs, and more. Have fun being creative!

Four years ago, our family decided it was time to get a puppy. After much discussion and searching the web for information about dog breeds, we finally agree upon a Boston Terrier. There were many reasons for this decision: medium size, short haired, easy to care for, don’t drool, good family dogs, etc.

One day not long after this, my husband went online and found a picture of a precious Boston Terrier puppy. We were in love! We promptly called the breeder to ask about her. Every puppy in that litter had already been claimed. Except one. Our puppy was the only one left!  We quickly filled out the paperwork and paid a deposit, thrilled to know she had been “saved” just for us. (Or so we like to think).  The breeder was almost three hours drive away, but she was the closest one we could find.

Our puppy wouldn’t be ready to come home with us for a few weeks, so in the meantime we began to prepare for her arrival. We made (multiple) trips to the pet store to purchase all the necessary equipment: crate, play pen, food and water dishes, chew toys, grooming supplies and the requisite puppy pads for training. I’m sure I missed several items, but you get the idea. We racked up quite a bill, and that was just the beginning!

We also researched books about puppy training, and purchased a few that were very helpful. Here are our favorites:

–How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood And Beyond (Cesar Millan)

–My Dog!: A Kids’ Guide to Keeping a Happy and Healthy Pet (Michael J. Rosen)

–Boston Terrier (Smart Owner’s Guide) (Peggy Swager)

Finally the big day came, and we all piled into the car to make the drive over to the breeder. When we arrived, we were pleased to see our puppy seemed more calm and friendly than her litter mates – and certainly not as rambunctious as her very obnoxious brother! (As my daughter so firmly declared). When you get a puppy, you take a chance on personality as it’s hard to tell so early what they will turn out to be like (Kinda like kids, right? Except you can’t give them back). So we were thrilled to find that our new puppy, Roxie, was a sweet, friendly, social dog who loved everybody and everything.

One example of this was our first visit to a dog park. We had come late in the day as it was pretty hot, and there was only one other dog there. This dog just happened to be a Great Dane. Have you seen one of these? They are not called “giants” for nothing. They are one of the tallest dog breeds. So here comes Roxie (still on her leash) pulling me over to “make friends”. He politely lowered his giant head for a quick nose sniff, and then she went around to his backside (well above her head) and proceeded to get up on hindlegs in order to sniff his butt. Thankfully, this guy wasn’t put off by her pushiness. In fact, he seemed to ignore her altogether (maybe he couldn’t see her way down there), and trotted away to find something else more interesting to explore.

This experience helped me realize that we really did have the perfect dog for our family. Stubborn, resourceful, friendly, playful, and above all, not afraid of the big guys.

She’s our Roxie! (About 7 weeks old)

Roxie – our very affectionate girl

Our pretty girl now. (Four years old)