Puddle Jumpers

I can't remember the conversation exactly, but I remember the 4 of us—Traci, Adele, Christine and myself—sitting around discussing the virtues of motherhood and the kind of childhood we hoped to provide for our children. I believe it was Traci who spoke of how she wanted her children to be able to jump in a mud puddle and not be thinking in the back of her mind about the inevitable laundry or baths that would later ensue. Somewhere along the line, mud puddles became symbolic of a happy childhood between us 4 new moms. Soon after, we began calling ourselves the "Puddle Jumpers".  We didn't have tee shirts made or anything, but whenever one of us would propose a time and place for the next play date, the subject of that email would always be: Puddle Jumpers.

One of the best kept secrets of modern day moms is that we often get more out of play dates than our kids do! They are a chance to be with other moms who share the joys and sorrows of mothering perfect children in an imperfect world! We can vent without judgment, brag without guilt and laugh till we cry—all in the safety of friends who seem much more like sisters.

The above photo of our Puddle Jumpers was snapped by Traci (our resident photographer) at a play date early this summer.  Although none of us moms is in the picture, hopefully you can see our love reflected in the eyes of our children.