Today is Father’s Day. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful Dad (he dubbed himself Mr. Wonderful and I let it stick) whom I adore. I hope you have the same, or another paternal influence that likes a celebratory meal at a delicious restaurant!

…

June 19, 2011

Dad,

This globe reminds me of the weekly summaries you made me to write during middle school. As if having six classes and six homework assignments wasn’t enough, I was the only kid forced to write summaries on them all. No, I haven’t forgotten. I also haven’t forgotten the time you took my dolls away or when you signed me up for co-ed basketball during my formative teen years.

But that’s not all I remember.

I remember styling your hair. Using a dish-towel as a cape and a spray bottle to authentically wet the hair before molding it into the perfect do with bows and ribbons! I applaud your patience. (And take no responsibility for your receding hairline.)

I remember you teaching me how to hit a baseball (albeit with a large and forgiving bat). We’d play for hours in the backyard, with your dirty laundry serving as bases. We developed a fierce little bond during those weekends when Mom was flying and Marie Callender was in charge of dinner.

I remember your unwavering support when the job I loved was lost to the recession. You allowed me to feel sorry for myself, but only for moment. With your encouragement, I picked up the pieces and kept on with the journey.

I am so grateful for you–for your good advice, your support, and most of all your love. You have made me the person I am today. (And you did a darn good job if I do say so myself.) I love you.

Happy Father’s Day Mr. Wonderful!

xo Lauren

Snow & Graham 

Today, we celebrate the Mothers of the world: the women who fearlessly gain thirty pounds of cushion for their wombs, the women who have an endless supply of patience during the worst tantrums, and the women who stay up late to help you build a solar system out of papier-mache (just saying). These heroines walk among us, encouraging and loving us no matter what. And today we celebrate them. Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mamas out there, most especially mine.

…

May 8, 2011

My most favorite President had some wise words: “All that I am or ever hope to be I owe to my Mother.” He was right. And it’s true, I am the woman I am today because of you.

You are my cheerleader, in times of joy and in moments of struggle. Your endless supply of encouragement has gotten me through the toughest of times. And your ability, call it Mother’s intuition, to know exactly what I need in any given moment is nothing short of amazing.

All my favorite memories include you. Our family vacations to awe-inspiring places, our mother-daughter shopping adventures, even time spent watching bad tv with tray-tables on our laps. I am so lucky to have a Mom that doubles as a best friend.

You taught me that the little things in life matter most, like ironed sheets and thank you notes. You always lead by example, teaching me to be kind and loyal. And thanks to the Virgo in you, I am a tidy and organized member of society.

Thank you for always being proud of me and for loving me so fiercely. I am so very lucky to call you my Mom. Happy Mother’s Day. I love you.

xxo Lauren

Hammerpress (A big shout out to my birth city and these fabulous folks!)