My Shrek Line

People mark their lives in different ways. For the last nine years, mine has been marked by the "Shrek" movies.

It started in June of 2001. The weekend before our wedding, Todd and I were at each other's throats. We were both stressed and we weren't handling it well. I think the point where I told Todd that he was incapable of packing his own shaving kit was the high point (or low point if you prefer).

We decided we needed a break, so we headed to the movies. As fans of animation, we were intrigued by "Shrek", plus, we needed something light and frothy. As we came back to our senses, we fell in love with that big green guy and his cast of merry men and women. Two hours later, we left the theater sane and smiling. I give Shrek part of the credit for the fact that we are about to celebrate our ninth anniversary

Fast forward three years to 2004 - the make or break year of my career and our marriage. The second Shrek came out and I listened to "Accidentally In Love" over and over and over again, missing home and Todd. We went to see that movie under stress too, but this time the movie alone couldn't fix it. My career broke that year, but our marriage made it. I don't know if it's connected, but this is my favorite of the films thus far.

In 2007, when the third installment came out, I was pregnant with Finn and Elwood was less than two so going to see the movie in a theater was not possible. But the second that DVD came out, we had in our hot little hands. And that was when Elwood fell in love with Donkey. That Christmas, he got the talking Donkey doll and you would have though we had given him the Holy Grail. Plus, that year, "Shrek the Halls" became one of the few Christmas specials we enjoyed watching as a family (I force my Rankin/Bass addiction on Todd every year).

So, as the new and final movie opens this Friday, I look forward to bringing my two little Shrek fans to see it. Shrek is part of our family forever and I know that years from now, when we think about the princess locked in the highest room, in the tallest tower, we'll remember all of these important moments in our lives.

Sunshine in the Rain

I Am

I am Mommy.

I am the righter of wrongs, the mediator and the kisser of boo boos.

I am chief cook (but not always the chief bottle washer.) I know your favorite meals and which treat will make everything better.

I am your security blanket. When we cuddle at bed time, I keep all of the evil in the world at bay, even if it's just for a moment.

I am the woman all others will be judged by in your eyes. I hope I set a good example.

I am daughter to a mother whose love is fierce. We push each others' button like no one else can, but when she hears that catch in my voice that says something is wrong, she is right there for me. She is the first call when I doubt my own skills as a mother.

I am granddaughter of strong, beautiful matriarchs who are now my guardian angels. I feel their love and influence every day.

I am niece to women who put the "fun" dysfunctional. Be it buying me an Yves St. Laurent dress or making a me a copy of the Beatles White Album, they have helped form the woman I am today.

I am cousin, in-law, and friend to countless other women who have graced my life in so many different ways. Be they older or younger, close by or far away, they each have claimed a tiny piece of my heart and soul.

I am blessed.