Eden and I kidnapped Avery from school for lunch the other day. She walked down the school hallway toward me with a confused-covered grin on her face. She asked what was going on and I told her I was lonely for her and needed some company for lunch. To which she excitedly asked her usual, "And not Téa!?" She's been needing some one on one time and I was happy to give it to her. We ate and she talked and talked. And then she talked some more.

Téa Leoni has a new Biggest Fan

And that would be me. Not because of Family Man, or Spanglish, or Fun with Dick and Jane (hilarious). No, it is because she wrote to my daughter not as a celebrity, but as a mom.

About 6 months ago, Téa came home and lamented to Ben about how she didn't like her name. No one can pronounce it. Trying to say he understood wasn't cutting it. He told her about Téa Leoni and that maybe she could ask her. She wrote the cutest letter I've ever read ("Did anyone ever tease you? Call you Tortilla or Tommy or Tomagolchi?") She added her school picture and an origami bird. So sweet.

It broke my heart knowing the grim probability of Téa ever hearing back from her. After unsuccessfully searching for an address, I remembered a friend of mine's husband is a director and was able to get me her production company's address. (Thank you Trevi!)

Needless to say, the other day Téa got a letter addressed just to her.

Téa screamed when she opened it. It was the sweetest letter explaining what she went through and how much she loves her name now. And to top it off, she sent her a friendship bracelet.

The fact that she took the time to reply to Téa the way she did means the world to me. Téa has become really excited and proud of her name. It has been fun to watch.

So, yes, I am a huge fan and have a load of respect for Téa Leoni.

So from one mom to another: Thank you thank you thank you.

Just Read

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid. Aoccdrnig to rscheearch taem at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Such a cdonition is arppoiately cllaed Typoglycemia. Amzanig huh? And yuo awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt.

The 3 hour wait with 3 kids was well worth it . . . considering the ride we got to go on! Oh wait - there was a shot waiting for them at the end of the line; no ride. Better luck next time.

From the Mouth of Aves

Last week my brother called early and told us (on speaker phone) that my sister was in labor and that the baby should be delivered within the hour. The girls and I were excited as I put their backpacks on and sent them on their way.

We live in the back of a cul-de-sac and it wasn't until Avery got all the way to the corner that she decided to ask/shout her question.

She yells, "Hey Mom! Are they going to put the baby in a box or something?

Or is someone going to hold the baby when she's born?"

(Remember, she is 4 houses away.)

I yell back the obvious, "No. They are not going to put the baby in a box!"

She shouts back, "Well, Jake said she was going to be delivered.

Does Auntie Josie go home without the baby and they mail her to their house?"

Time to buy some Amelia Bedelia books. . .

You Are Welcome

It was one of those moments when you stop and realize it is strangely quiet in the house. I called for Téa and there was no answer. So I started opening doors. I eventually opened my bedroom closet door and Tay was on the floor and just said, "Shut the door, Mom." There was no blood, no tears, and a slight smile. So, I just smiled back and shut the door.

I forgot about that and she eventually ran over to play at a friend's.

It all started with noticing Rocco's freshly-filled bowls. Then the note above my bed that she had just made. Then Avery's bed, Eden's bed, and finally - our perfectly organized closet.

Each with a "Your Welcome" note.

Love her. Love love love her.

Wedding at Sundance

Jeannie and Julian got married on Saturday. It was in Sundance and it was so beautiful. We couldn't be happier for the two of them.

And I am going to make my own vows now. . .I Briar, vow to take a real camera - and not just my camera phone - if I would like to take a decent picture at night.