Thursday, November 14, 2013

Cuties

Look how they are standing in the exact same position! Ha Ha! I love my twins.

That's it :)

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Happy Place

 This is Ella and the pony Cupcake...I can't possibly think of anything more adorable than a pony named Cupcake. Unless it is a little girl with braids and saggy riding pants sitting up on top of the cutest pony named Cupcake. Cuteness personified.
 I have a list of happy places that I conjure up when needed - the beach, skiing, a trail in the woods. But recently standing alongside a dusty ring with flies buzzing my ears is my happiest of happy places. Because Im watching this awesomeness. My little girl rides ponies. And she doesn't do it because I love it, she does it because she loves it. And biased as I may be, she is pretty good!
I love the look of determination on her face. I love the way she gets tough and gets big ol Cupcake to do just what Ella wants. I've seen Ella get nervous a few times while riding or working around the ponies. Her eyes get a little big as she looks over to me, I nod with an encouraging smile. She sets her jaw and tries again. She is learning that she is strong and capable. She is learning to be sensitive and caring. I hope these lessons will stick with her on the playground and in the classroom. And maybe just maybe in the show ring next summer.

My mom always drove me to horse shows in the dark mornings. Each time she reminded me, "you go in that ring with your head held high! Think of saying to the judge, look at me! Im here to win!" These words have echoed on the way to college interviews, job interviews, and countless other times when nerves have threatened to take over.  And now Im passing it on to my little girl.

And nothing makes me happier.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Kindergarten

 And so it was that Tyler started Kindergarten this Fall. The pictures from the first day capture exactly how it was - exciting, happy, and fun. Unfortunately, the fun and happiness came to a screeching halt soon after the first day. Lots of tears and struggles followed over the next several weeks. We tried so many ideas to make it better. Tyler would be ok for a few days and then we would be back to square one crying at the door to the school.

After a meeting with the school, we switched Tyler from morning Kindergarten to the afternoon session. After 2 weeks, Im seeing a happier little boy. Just like the one in these pictures. Im proud of him. It isn't easy for him, but he keeps plugging away...with a smile.


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Blogging

There is a chill in the air. Three of the kids are in school. Colby is settled in nicely in front of the tv. I scooted here and there around the house, sorting mail and laundry. I stopped to boil water for a cup of tea. As my hands wrapped around the warm mug, my mind came here. To the blog.

I started a record of our days when the twins turned a year. And it was often during nap time, and with a cup of tea, that I came to write. I loved it. I would think about a post while driving or stirring dinner. And I loved to share pictures and document all the little things I imagined we would forget. Almost 7 years later, and 1000 posts in the archives, things have slowed almost to a stop. Naps are long gone and we rarely sit for any length of time. My afternoon tea is usually snug in a travel mug and my eyes snap shut earlier at night than Id like to admit. Writing here is often last on the list of daily to-do's.

I worry that all the little details of what they say and how we laugh will be forgotten. I worry that I won't remember who it was that didn't like swim class (Colby) or who snores at night (Ella). And I miss the ritual of sitting and reflecting and appreciating the daily moments. I remind myself that the busier days are those when I need that ritual the most.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Coach Mike


 Mike has signed on as coach of Drew's Football and Hockey teams this year. It is fun to watch how he interacts with other kids, the parents and most of all Drew. Although Drew is often a guy of seldom words, he likes his Dad coaching. Mike's quiet, relaxed demeanor is a good match for the 7 year olds enthusiasm and inherent wildness :) Im sure he has plans to coach Ty at some point. And he certainly would coach Ella...she just won't let him!
I picked a good one to be the Dad of my kids. Way to go Mike!