Headed to the store in pajamas

Leta looked backward instinctually as she backed up to turn the car around. They wanted to get in the car before getting dressed, so we got most of their winter gear on and let them have it. Driving this vehicle in winter conditions is more like driving a boat than a car and I had to help scoot, slide and spin them around more than a few times. I taught Leta the three point turn, but I don’t think she was in any kind of place to hear a word I was saying.

I went back and forth for several years whether or not I should get this for Leta. After consulting with their mother, I decided to pull the trigger and get this for both of them. Virtually everybody who saw me handle the box for this mentioned that they wanted a battery powered car as a kid but never got one. Here’s to making a kid’s dream come true, even if she knows she is too big for this car. The look on Leta’s face when she saw this parked in the garage melted me. A glorious moment and a great way to celebrate the day. The machinations to build and hide this weren’t as bad as I’d thought they might be, but it took a little planning. Any misstep and Leta would have known something was up.

I think this image might be one of my favorites of the girls this year. This is their moment, natural and unrehearsed.

As the new year approaches, I’m hopeful that the girls know how much I love them, how much they are a priority for me and that whatever the future holds, they are the single most critical part of any decision I make.

I thank you for your support, too. This has been a hell of a year. Thank you for your kindness, support and encouragement, it has meant so much to me.

* * *

Affirmation: Make today better than yesterday, tomorrow better than today. Even with the colds and coughing.

http://twitter.com/terrytoons terrytoons

Here’s to a happy and peaceful 2013 for you and your family. Thanks for sharing this.
americanrecluse

I also wanted and did not get a battery-operated car. Good call, dad!

Thank you for sharing this (and so much else) with us. Here’s to a new year. See ya, 2012!
http://www.facebook.com/mycollegeanswers Lori Warren

I hope for a very wonderful and lucky year for you and your daughters Jon.
http://www.facebook.com/dyestrella Diane Estrella

Your daughters have an amazing dad and there is no doubt that they will always know this. Happy New Years to you and yours.
http://twitter.com/Sadandbeautiful Sarah R. Bloom

Absolutely beautiful photo of the girls, one that seems to really capture their personalities (as they’ve been described in their parents’ writing). My kid wanted one. She didn’t get it. I kinda feel bad now (just a little).

Happy New Year. I hope 2013 brings you clarity, growth, and above all, joy.
Amanda Brumfield

Happy New Year!
Meg H

As the older sibling, I often whined about having to wait to get things or do things until BOTH of us could do it, but looking at this picture — looking at Leta & Marlo sharing this experience — maybe that’s the better way. Marlo’s face is perfect, by the way. Happy new year to all y’all.
http://twitter.com/SassafrasMama SassafrasMama

When I was going through my own breakup more than 6 years ago, it was a focus on my son and his heart that kept me in tact. Now, at the age of 12, he knows how very well-loved he is. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. Your girls know this as well and there are plenty of us holding you in the light as you make the journey. Here’s to a happy 2013!
http://www.katandgray.blogspot.com katherine_at_grass_stains

The expressions on their faces are worth more than any amount of money could buy. What a thrill! Great job, Dad.
Lilly O’Handley

My hubby said this to me this weekend, as I whined a bit in the middle of a snowshoe adventure: “The good stuff in life is just on the other side of your comfort zone.”

It made me think of your affirmations and all you’ve face this year. Like someone else said, I enjoy the honesty of your posts and it helps me keep my own trials in perspective. Mostly it reminds me that eventually it will all even out again.

Happy New Year, Jon and family.
http://www.facebook.com/beth.george2 Beth Rich George

I have my own photo of a very excited boy in his new Jeep. He’s 14 now, and we two are going through a divorce not of our choice, but he knows he is loved by those memories we share. You are and will be an amazing Dad, just because you show up for those moments and you never stop. It’s not about the big or the small things, it’s just about paying attention. And I’m pretty sure you’ve got that part fully covered.
Eliz

Good luck Jon. You are doing well by them, and that’s what daughters need. Makes me wonder if my girls mightn’t need a Barbie car too!
Linda

Adorable! Happy New Year!
Krista Nordby

Love this picture and story and especially the positive outlook. You rock dude!
Ann SullivanMacy

When I was a kid the neighbors had one of those metal pedal cars that looked exactly like a miniature sedan. I loved that car–even when I was still a tall pre-teen with legs so long that I looked like a praying mantis as I squeezed into the seat. Your girls know you love you and would know it even if you hadn’t gotten the car. This is just the pink icing on that cupcake. Cheers to you!
http://twitter.com/bannanawinnd bannanawinnd

I’ve never commented, but felt the need to with this picture. Your photography has always talked to me and this picture almost screams. My brother has two little girls and I have a picture of them in a jeep that will always be one of my favorites. This reminds me so much of them, all you see is the love. Thanks for sharing.