Friday favorites: March 20

I'm back! We figured that since my son was still in preschool, it would be a perfect time to take a two-week vacation. My husband has been planning a Major League Baseball spring training trip for two years, and it was everything we had hoped for, visiting six ballparks in 13 days and attending eight games. Our son has loved ball-oriented games since he was a baby, and started using a tee when he was 2; watching his joy at retrieving a foul ball and watching the games was truly rewarding.

I haven't done much writing in the last month, with all of the winter germs rolling through and then vacation, but I'm ready to catch up again.

Happy first day of spring!

THE FUNNY

If you know Arnebya, you can actually hear her voice as you read this. If you don't, I feel certain you'll still find it hilarious. Watch out for the ruche

 This is why my nails are always unpolished: 10 tips to make your manicure last indefinitely

THE BEAUTIFUL

These images from mothers in Russia are breathtaking. 

Stories of little boys growing up choke me up. Thanks a lot, Kim.
As he prepares to take flight

Princess movies aren't just for girls. I loved the message in the new Cinderella movie, and this mom's story about how it resonated with her boys is very sweet. 
Cinderella, it's like how life should be

A lovely letter to a first child, on the eve of the birth of her little sister.
You'll always be my first

I found the honesty in this post from Julie of Next Life, No Kids to be both bracing and refreshing. It's real life with small children.I'm judging me enough for the both of us

Andrea, on connecting with her kids: The witching hour

For inspiration on parenting and life, you can't ever go wrong by reading any one of Rachel's posts at Hands Free Mama. Here is her latest. 

AND MORE

Nina is my writing sensei, and I love the inclusive attitude she has here. Great words of wisdom for any writer/ blogger.
The myth of blogging turf

Write, erase, do it over - fantastic insights from the amazing Toni Morrison

Have you considered writing a family mission statement? I hadn't either, until I read this:
Happy families have mission statements

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

One of my essays was chosen for a new anthology by Robyn Lane Books, based in Dallas, Texas. Mommie Diarist will be released next month!

Do you remember when I told you about the children's book I wrote for a TV show? It's been finished for a while, and we're waiting for (hopefully) the dedication of a whole episode to the book. Stay tuned.

HuffPost Divorce asked me to weigh in on why my second marriage is better than my first, and so that's me at #6.  I don't agree with the title of the post, because I don't think that second marriages are better overall - some people are lucky enough to get it right the first time. I was much luckier on the second one, and while I have certainly struggled with the shame of divorce, I am thankful to be where I am now.

Love,

Kristin