Darin graduated from U of C graduate school a few weeks ago. It was a huge accomplishment for all of us. I'm really proud of Darin for sticking with it and never once talking about giving up. I'm really proud of the rest of us for pulling together and supporting him.

Its hard to believe that since he started we have had two kids; two pregnancies (well, one full and one started); we've lived in 4 homes; had 4 cars; I've had 2 jobs and Darin has had many including working for Shorashim, as a waiter at Famous Dave's, as a Sunday School Teacher, a Bar-Mitzvah Tutor, Hebrew School Tutor, School Social Work intern, Thresholds intern, Summer School Social Worker, and Stay at Home Dad.

We're excited and nervous about what lies ahead of us.

He has an interview today for the fall.

We're leaving on a road trip today to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. Its 5 hours to St. Louis and then another 3 and a half to my brother's timeshare.

It will be interesting and hopefully not horrible to see how the girls fare on this trip. Last summer we drove 14 hours (it took us actually 20) to Winnipeg, Manitoba for a wedding with the girls. They did great, but were so much younger at the time.

It will also be interesting and hopefully not horrible to see how I fare spending a week in an apartment with my brother and his family. The last time we lived together for that amount of time was over 15 years ago.

Blue, Mama, Blue

Orli's favorite color has become blue. First we thought she liked it so much because it was the only color she could say. Now can say other colors, but still only prefers everything blue.

Every day we try - TRY - to find something - or everything - blue to wear. On this particular Saturday, I looked and looked for two of the same blue socks. Darin thought I was nutty but in the end, she was just as happy with the mismatched pair.

Of everyone who pitches in to watch the girls all week and on weekends, I am the only one who has braved painting with the girls outside. We've used paintbrushes, sponges, those kitchen brushes you are supposed to use to paint bread with egg wash, and our fingers. The girls wear the same painting clothes each time - their "I was named at BJBE" tshirts and leggings or a halloween skirt.

Lately I have had this tremendous feeling of guilt for being a working mom. Logically, I know why I'm working and how important it is for my family. But I can't help but feel I am not with them enough and I miss a lot of what they do. I can't help but feel like I wish I was home with them.

It gives me a nice feeling that I am the only one who has given painting to them. We've only done it a couple times, but so far, they've loved it.