For Jen (and her family)

Jen.

You are too much. I love you so much, and you love my kids so well.

Thank you for the gifts you sent - I thought you'd enjoy seeing Robbie and Ellie's faces when they opened their packages yesterday. Each gift was so thoughtful, and I hope you aren't upset that Ellie commandeered the cupcake purse intended for Maddie. (These things happen. Ha!) That explains why I didn't get any pictures of Maddie - I was too busy refereeing.

I wish we lived closer, and knew more than just one another's firstborns personally. I hate that I've never met C and E (your youngest 2) and that you have never gotten to squeeze Ellie's cheeks or snuggle Maddie. But I love that Robbie and T know and remember one another, and that we can keep in touch with pictures, emails, blogs and snail mail.

You are my oldest friend, and definitely one of my closest and dearest even though so many miles are between us. Thanks for your love and friendship!

Love, Ash

P.S. Remember "Sail Away" and "Millions of Peaches"?! I can't decide whether to laugh or cry every time I hear those songs on the radio! Also, our Lake James video tape remains safely tucked away in my bedside drawer. Can you believe I've held on to it for all these years (and through so many moves)!? It's partially because I'm sentimental, but also because wow... there is a lot of really embarrassing stuff on there. What were we thinking?!