The World According to the S_Girls

January 2012

2012-01-31T16:15:00.017-06:00

Happy New Year!

Time seems to fly whether or not you're having fun. We don't exist in a perpetual state of bliss, but we definitely have more good times than struggles. We've gotten together with friends, took Grammy out for brunch and are rarely bored.

The girls started gymnastics and love it. Swimming lessons resumed and both girls are doing well. I'm taking some time to re-learn playing the piano and Daddy even got to watch a few football games.

Happy Birthday Antie She!

I also had my first car accident and am so grateful that it was only our car that was hurt. I was amused that after telling both Grammy and Samantha, they both sounded very concerned and asked if I got any tickets (I didn't). There were over 100 accidents in our metro area, so it certainly wasn't just me, but the next time road conditions are like that, I won't take the freeway.

Samantha's Birthday Weekend

2012-01-30T16:47:00.005-06:00

Turning 7 was an experience for Samantha. It was a birthday weekend extravaganza! On her birthday, she was off from school so Daddy and I spent the day with her. We went to the zoo, met Nana and Papa for lunch at the Mall of America and baked cookies that night. Samantha rode the log ride with me and then ALL BY HERSELF. She was proud! Daddy rode the roller coaster with her and we all had fun!

Samantha's "friend party" was at the local aquarium and everyone had a great time. She chose to invite only friends from her class this year. They played games and colored together, made their shark tooth necklaces and ate chocolate cake. They got a behind the scenes tour of the place and enjoyed walking through the exhibits. The kids were loud and having fun!

The "family" party was on Sunday. Everyone came and enjoyed themselves. Jordan and Dylan were so excited to see our girls. We ate pizza and her ice cream cake was yummy!

A good way to end the year

2011-12-31T13:20:00.003-06:00

The girls and I headed out this morning. Samantha liked putting our outgoing letter in the mailbox, we all giggled while I "drove crazy" to the bookstore. We said goodbye to the story time lady (Amy with the crazy socks), who has known Samantha and Sofia their whole lives and is starting her own family. We ate cupcakes in the cafe before noon(!). While waiting in line at the car wash, the kids cleaned the entire car and played all over the car. We cranked the tunes and sang. I granted their request to drive by the ski area multiple times. Eventually, we made it home and I showed Sam how to play scales on the piano. Now they're off continuing the tradition of spending New Year's with their Nana and Papa and it's quiet. It's nice and I'm feeling so appreciative that this is how I ended the year with them.

Recently in stores, people have commented to us that our girls are very well-behaved. I don't know if we have a lot to do with it, but we are both very proud. It's a good thing and I appreciate their choices!

Relaxing weekend

2011-12-26T20:34:00.040-06:00

I decided to forget about the non-urgent work that I took home and hang with the family. It was a good decision (as it nearly always is). We made progress on some projects that had been waiting and just spent time with each other. The time went by too fast, but it was nice for us all to be together. We saw both sides of our extended family and while it was busy, it was relaxing most of all. I needed the perspective change from "I've got to squeeze everything in somehow" to "It'll get done when it gets done because I'm with my family right now".

Life is short. I'm reminded of that witnessing my kids grow and watching our dog show his age. It's natural and while I've dealt with the deaths loved ones and lived on a farm, I'm sad and resigned. Fonzie continues to be as cherished and as frustrating as any member of our family. I tell Daddy and the kids that we never know how much time anyone has, so we should appreciate the time we have now. I'm grateful that we've got today.

From a quote my father recited to me:

The past is a memory, the future is unknown, that's why today is called a present.

Make it most of it.

Feliz Navidad with Grammy

2011-12-25T21:57:00.005-06:00

We went down to Aunt Leana's parents house on Christmas Day this year. It was a wonderful day and I'm happy we got some pictures out of it. It's not often we all get together, but it's fun when we do!

Hanukkah dinner at Uncle Todd and Aunt Shelly's house

2011-12-24T21:56:00.003-06:00

Random fun things

2011-12-23T21:59:00.004-06:00

Culver's Night with friends (the 2nd time we've pulled it off with these friends!)

Lots of baking, especially cookies.

They each got a hand to paint and could not decide on a color.

Just playing with their "kids"...

Cinderella with my girls

2011-12-23T11:56:00.011-06:00

One of my birthday gifts this year was 4 tickets to see "Cinderella". Antie She opted to come instead of Daddy. It was a nice surprise for me when the Fairy Godmother told Cinderella it was up to her to make her dreams come true, since I believe you rescue yourself. The girls were great I got to wear the jewelry that I got for Hanukkah too!

Weekend without Daddy

2011-12-12T10:26:00.021-06:00

Daddy went to visit Uncie in St. Louis so the girls and I were on our own again. We had lots going on though, starting right away Friday night and continuing through the weekend.

Friday night we went to synagogue for Shabbat dinner with Samantha's Sunday School class. It was a great gathering and we all enjoyed ourselves.

Saturday afternoon we went to see "The Nutcracker" with Grammy. It was beautiful and even more special since we knew some of the dancers. After that I took the girls to see Nana and Papa who were staying with Jordan and Dylan. It was fun, but we were all overly exhausted by the time we got home.

Sunday morning started off with Sunday school, during which time Sofia and I shopped at the Social Justice fair. Then we picked up some Hanukkah gifts and made it home just in time for Daddy to return!

Whew!

Sofia's Holiday Program

2011-12-08T20:46:00.027-06:00

Sofia's program was tonight and it was so fun to watch her! She sang her songs and danced very well. I thought it was great that it was all about Sofia. Nana, Papa and Grammy joined us, which made Sofia shine even more. Samantha sat with the other older siblings that she knew. All the kids ran around afterwards and enjoyed themselves.

Samantha's Ballet Recital

2011-12-03T20:42:00.042-06:00

This past fall Samantha took a ballet class and today was her class performance. It was short and nothing like the showcase we've experienced in the past. Samantha has elected not to continue at this point, which is fine. She was told to continue the class as it was already paid for and didn't make too much of a fuss thankfully. It was too serious for her and she was ready to try something else. (Both girls are very excited to start gymnastics after the holidays.)

There was a delay to the start of the show. Her instructor acknowledged Samantha directly by thanking her for keeping the rest of her class settled during the wait. When I asked her later, Samantha told me she got everyone to play, "Duck Duck Goose" to keep kids in a circle. Like it was typical of her to take the lead (and it is). I know she works her tail off and I love that she steps up in chaos to do what's right. Daddy and I are so proud of her.

She did enjoy herself and loves to perform!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T17:08:00.009-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

The day did not go as expected for us, at least for me. My body finally gave in to whatever respiratory issue that kept Sofia home for 2 days earlier this week. That meant that I could barely move Thursday morning and couldn't really speak more than a whisper. Uncle Todd commented that the family must be enjoying that. It's certainly possible, but I don't think they enjoyed Mom being bed-ridden.

Samantha apparently got overwhelmed by the influx of people. She retreated to her room and it was a long while before I finally went up and got her. Samantha wasn't feeling the greatest either.

Sofia got a timeout for not properly saying thank you for birthday presents that she received. I found her asleep in her room so I took that as the reason for her defiance.

We had our traditional 20 family members over and consumed a lot of food and wine. Everyone was amazed at how much Jordan and Dylan have grown. As always, it was great to see Susie and Stu with their family and Aunts Merrian and Wendy. There were 6 different varieties of desserts and we'll be grazing on the leftovers all weekend!

Sofia's Birthday

2011-11-19T08:08:00.022-06:00

It was our first snowfall of the season! We celebrated with her first "friend" party at Pump It Up. There were friends from preschool and family friends and it was a great time for all! Sofia was surprised by Uncle Todd braving the snowy weather to help her celebrate, but so happy to see him!

Once we got home, I took the girls outside to play in the new snow. It was only a few inches, but Sofia made a snow volcano and enjoyed throwing snowballs and sledding.

Happy Birthday Sofia!

Sofia's Preschool Conferences

2011-11-15T20:07:00.007-06:00

Sofia's turn for conferences came so Daddy and I squeezed ourselves into kid-sized chairs for a chat with Sofia's teacher. Good things were said as we listened to how Sofia has made friends that she plays with and that Sofia is a great team player working in groups. Daddy and I are incredibly happy that Sofia is blossoming at preschool. It's amazing to watch her world open up and watch her play! All in all, we enjoyed telling Sofia how proud we are of her!

It's amazing how fast the time goes, but I'm conscious to enjoy the moment! Sofia is a wonderful kid!

Daddy's Birthday

2011-11-15T08:08:00.018-06:00

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Daddy doesn't particularly enjoy birthday celebrations about him and has been stressed with a variety of challenges, I'll share a poem I wrote for him.

I love my husband, he's the best.

Always moving without much rest.

He's the perfect man for me and a wonderful father.

We're a team, we're partners, it's no bother.

He's funny, loving and incredibly kind.

He even helps with laundry in a bind!

No it's not the perfect poem, but I hope for many years to come with him!

Child labor in our backyard

2011-11-12T22:12:00.007-06:00

I put the kids in the yard waste can to stomp down the leaves. They enjoyed it!

Now you see them...

Now you don't.

Sofia's Family Birthday Party

2011-11-12T18:56:00.016-06:00

Sofia is turning 4!

We began the celebrations by having a party, complete with a Disney princess themed cake. Sofia loved it, along with the gifts! She is a girl who loves puzzles and is very much into princesses at the moment. The family came over with Uncle Bob and Aunt Sherry, who were visiting from St. Louis. Thank you to them for taking the picture below since it's a first!

Here is she opening a present in the morning wearing our "traditional birthday hat".

Samantha is Star of the Week

2011-11-10T07:50:00.019-06:00

Any time our calendar gets full, both Daddy and I wait for the kids to get ill. Whether it's a self-fulfilling prophecy or just the way life goes, our unspoken expectations were met. Both girls were home 2 days this week and again, we owe many thanks to Grammy for her help.

It was Samantha's turn to be "Star of the Week", which is a chance for the kids to share about themselves and family to visit. It took some creative scheduling for Daddy, me, Grammy, Nana and Papa to get there, but we all made it on Thursday. Grammy and I got to her class and listened to Samantha share about herself and the pictures. All the kids got to ask her questions and we loved hearing her answers. Then I read a story to the class and played outside with the kids for recess. It's amazing how many of them remember me from last year! Daddy, Nana and Papa all stayed for lunch and we all enjoyed ourselves! Make sure you read her list... I was touched by her answer for the "Happiest thing that has ever happened to me"!

Pumpkin Carving and Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T19:37:00.031-05:00

We finally managed to get our pumpkins carved just before Halloween. Samantha took her pumpkin to a friend's house while Sofia and I spent the day carving our own pumpkins. Sofia did not particularly enjoy scooping the guts of the pumpkin out so I got to do it, but she did enjoy carving with her own method.

Nana and Papa came for trick or treating again this year. Daddy even wore his scrubs while I wore the costume Sofia had chosen for me. Originally I was going to be Maleficient to her Sleeping Beauty (similar to when I was the wicked step-mother to Samantha's Cinderella), but Sofia insisted that I should be Mrs. Incredible. It worked out and Samantha enjoyed being a cheerleader.

Sever's 2011

2011-10-22T09:16:00.002-05:00

Our fall tradition of visiting Sever's with our friends continued this year. The weather was beautiful and it was a fun day! We watched pig races, ran around mazes, visited the petting zoo and of course, we spent plenty of time in the corn pit!

I'm very grateful that we have wonderful friends to share this with!

Torah Consecration

2011-10-15T18:00:00.012-05:00

Samantha began Sunday school at our synangogue this year. As part of her inaguration into Jewish education, there was a ceremony welcoming her to Judaism. Grammy, Nana and Papa all attended and it was lovely to see her keep the tradition.

The older students take on a mentoring role, here is Samantha with her "buddy" and Sofia.

Highlights from recent weeks

2011-10-09T08:51:00.063-05:00

Life has been full and chaotic and wonderful for us... here are some highlights:

We've had plenty going on and I've enjoyed life. There is a semblance of routine again with adventures. Park visits, Sofie’s dolphin class and hanging at the zoo on a Saturday with a surprise fireworks show that we watched from our street on a recent Saturday night. We have been baking and I've taken the girls to my office. Sofie was sick this year for Rosh Hashanna so I stayed home with her while Daddy and Samantha headed to Nana and Papa's. I think Samantha enjoyed the quality time with her cousins.

We spent the day with friends that we haven't seen in a long time for our traditional family day at the orchard. All the girls rode ponies and a camel, and Sofia bonded especially with William.

I got to chaperone Sofia's field trip to the apple orchard.

Nana and Papa taking the girls to see the play "Miss Nelson is Missing".

Daddy and Sofia having their zoo class together about sharks.

The girls and I taking Fonzie on nature walks. The fall weather has been wonderful!

Daddy took Samantha to her first football game. They both enjoyed it even though Samantha requested that they leave early. Daddy accommodated her request and they came home. Sofia and I took Fonzie for a walk with Grammy and got ice cream. The weather was gorgeous!

Sofia's first playdate with her friend Lily, who had a ball and "seriously" enjoyed her mac and cheese for dinner! It's beautiful to see Sofia blossom and meet her friends. She is loving preschool!

Our adventures continue and we are very blessed!

Life Lessons

2011-09-30T21:41:00.004-05:00

It can always be better and it can always be worse.

I live my life to the fullest, but I'm not a martyr trying to live up to a mythical parenting standard. I'm extremely fortunate, but I stress trying to juggle the demands of my marriage, my young daughters, an old dog, friends, myself and a full-time job. I am an optimist and I am a realist and I have a lot of satisfaction in and gratitude for my life.

Here's how: I take a few minutes each day to focus on myself and ensure that I'm OK. If I'm not, then I figure out the issue and deal with it. Sometimes I'm just tired so I allot time to go to bed earlier. Other times I just take some time to sit still and not think. Usually once I recognize the problem (i.e. I'm tired or neglecting a need), then I can vocalize what I need and ask for help. If I can't change the circumstances, I change my reaction and make peace with it. This too shall pass. I've learned that if I ignore my needs everything will fall apart very quickly. I have negotiated a flexible schedule by sacrificing some evenings/weekends as necessary. My daughter loves that I come to her school every week and I have some fun too. Working with kids (both low and high achievers) definitely helps me remember what is important so I appreciate my family. I'm not perfect, nor do I want to be, but I find peace in knowing that I've done what I can do and remembering there will always be more to do. Life is a journey, not a destination.

All we can do is our best and find a way to make it work. I consciously choose not to judge my life by material standards and focus on family time and expanding our community. I'm trying to teach my girls that you can only control how you react to life and inner peace comes from letting go of everything else. Live your life being true to yourself and that will ensure your kids can handle whatever they life throws at them, including granting yourself some peace. Don't stop dreaming about what your passions are, but don't expect it to just happen to you. Step outside of your comfort, take a risk and grow. Don't allow dwelling on "woulda coulda shoulda". And never stop hoping. Send out a positive vibe and focus on constructive energy. (And it's okay to hide out every great once in a while to recharge and get some alone time.)

My daughters: I love you and it is a huge honor to be your mother.

Weekend away from the kids

2011-09-26T21:03:00.001-05:00

Daddy and I took a long weekend away to visit the "up north" region of our state. The North Shore of Lake Superior is amazing and a wonderful place to visit, especially when the forests are changing in autumn. Daddy and I had our own adventures hiking, canoeing and relaxing. We enjoyed ourselves very much and are grateful to Nana and Papa for staying with the kids!

Life is beautiful.

When we stopped to view the sunset

2011-09-13T21:50:00.023-05:00

Fall is upon us and we wore coats to the park. The summer has flown by and we've made it through a week of school and preschool. But, with all the adjustments and more arrangements being made, all of us oohed and ahhed at the sunset we saw driving home from "cranky park" tonight. (It has a crank toy.). It was gorgeous. There were shades of pink, orange, purple and yellow... Just a beautiful sight. I'm so proud that even in our fast-paced life, we can still stop to admire something as simple as a sunset. The most awe-inspiring things I have seen in my life resemble tonight and it's a moment I will never forget. That feeling is best termed as serenity and I'm grateful for it and my family sharing it with me.

Como Adventure with Grammy

2011-09-11T18:16:00.004-05:00

After previous attempts proved unsuccessful, the girls and I were finally able to take Grammy to the Como Zoo and Conservatory. She hadn't been there since chaperoning a school trip from my elementary school days! We saw some of the animals and strolled around the conservatory. Of course, we squeezed in some fries and an ice cream treat too. We were all tired, but glad we finally got Grammy where she wanted to go!

Here are some pictures:

We love you Grammy!

First Week of School 2011

2011-09-10T07:26:00.014-05:00

Welcome to the beginning of the school year!

Samantha was extremely excited to get on the bus and go to school every day this week. Her class ended the week with and a day themed with teddy bears, including a teddy bear picnic. Both Daddy and I love that she loves school so much!

Sofia was eagerly anticipating school and disappeared to play as soon as we walked in. There was no hesitation and she was quite happy. Sofia and I were up a couple of hours Monday night, so it was a good thing she had a short nap her first day at preschool. On Wednesday morning she asked to go to Leslie's, but did fine at school. She is making friends and having fun, which is good to see!

Labor Day Weekend 2011

2011-09-05T20:22:00.003-05:00

This weekend was a fantastic way to end our summer! Family life has been wonderful here. Sofia keeps asking if she can go to preschool today, Samantha can't wait to start school and we have had plenty of fun adventures!

Friday was their day with Daddy while I was at work. They went to our health club while Daddy worked out in the morning and Chucky Cheese in the afternoon. After dinner, they all went to Cold Stone Creamery. Sofia wanted to go to Dairy Queen and began expressing her reluctance in a tantrum, but after Daddy convinced her to try it, she chose "different colored M&Ms" for her dessert. Samantha wanted every topping. Everyone came home jazzed on sugar. Then it was time for my birthday party that the girls had planned in the guest room. I love that my kids are incredibly sweet! Samantha planned games, had activities for us to do and even set the ambiance with her Glow Dome. Sofia decorated a picture frame with many jewelry adornments. Both girls were proud of themselves and I was honored. I am amazed by our girls every day, but this was special.

On Saturday we started out the day with a picnic at a park with Uncle Todd, Aunt Shelly, Jordan and Dylan. The twins are so fun! We all got some playtime and I got to hear them both laugh with me. It was nice to catch up with Todd and Shelly too. Later, Daddy went out to dinner with their friends. The kids were tired which was a completely natural response after the past couple of days! Grammy came over and had the brilliant idea to stop the coming meltdowns by playing hair salon. The girls enjoyed spraying the same spot on Grammy's and my head for quite awhile. I was tired too, so again I say thanks to Grammy and I hope she enjoys the french braid I gave her!

Here is a great photo of the cousins!

I didn't think we'd be able to top ourselves, but on Sunday afternoon we pulled it off! Antie She came by in the mid-afternoon, so we headed out with Fonzie for a hike to my favorite regional park. The weather was beautiful and Sofia wasn't too heavy to carry on my back. We all enjoyed ourselves and I was finally recharged. Samantha asked if we could go canoeing (what we did the last time in the area) and it turned out that everyone (excepting Fonz) was up for it. So we did it. Antie She took Sofia in a kayak while I had Samantha and Fonz in a canoe. Sofia was happy when Samantha let her have her paddle since she hadn't gotten one and Samantha was happy to give it up. Antie She was especially grateful because otherwise she wouldn't have gotten her paddle back. And Fonz went canoeing for the first time in his 13+ years! Other than standing up a few times, he even tolerated it well! And yes I realize I must be crazy, but it was an exciting impromptu adventure!

Once we made it home, we played color tag and beauty salon after dinner. The girls enjoyed putting on makeup (a rare treat) and doing Antie She's and my hair. Here are some tidbits:

Everyone slept in Monday morning and we kept it a lazy day with games, snuggling at home and a park visit.

State Fair 2011

2011-09-01T09:29:00.003-05:00

We celebrated my birthday by going to the State Fair again this year. It was the first year we didn't take a stroller and everyone handled the walking wonderfully! We went on the Ye Old Mill ride, the Skyride, and plenty of rides at the Kidway. We watched part of a rodeo which was more of a cultural experience for Daddy than anything. I love the Fair!

Things we ate this year: fried pickles, roasted corn, Sweet Martha's cookies, honey nut fudge ice cream, sunflower seed and honey ice cream (my favorite), deep-fried cheeseburger (for Daddy), cheese curds, french fries, falafel (as shown below), grilled shrimp (Daddy makes it better), chocolate covered bacon (Aunt Shelly's is better), lots of water since it was hot, slushies for the kids, a diet coke for Daddy and an iced chai for me.

Mmmm, good.

Lots of fun during one of the last weekends of summer

2011-08-28T09:08:00.007-05:00

August brings a sense of urgency for me. The clock is ticking toward a huge change in our daily routines and schedules have to be managed. I know I'm not the only mother who feels it so that itself is comforting. I try to prepare the kids as much as possible by lots of talks and lots of purging (rotating clothes in dressers, cleaning up papers, etc). Samantha accomplished both her end-of-summer goals, tying shoes and riding her bike without training wheels. Sofia is asking every day if she can go to preschool and it's a huge relief that she's really excited about it. I'm trying to squeeze in as many summer adventures as possible. Here's a smattering of what we've been up to:

We had a picnic at Minnehaha Falls...

We tried to take Grammy to Como, but ended up at our local zoo due to traffic and parking issues. It was a good day, just not what we planned!

Family Reunion with Grammy and Horse back riding with Nana and Papa

2011-08-21T07:42:00.031-05:00

We had a busy day!

We headed to Red Wing for a family reunion with Grammy's side. It was at a park which allowed for plenty of play and enjoyed a huge spread of food. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the afternoon flew by. We had to head home for the next leg in our adventure.

Nana and Papa had the girls stay at their house (allowing Daddy and I to complete the much-delayed task of cleaning out the garage). They visited Todd, Shelly, Jordan and Dylan which has become a beloved routine. On Sunday, the girls went horseback riding. Both Samantha and Sofia reminded Nana not to step in poop. Papa took Samantha who got a bigger horse (she repeatedly told me how her horse peed) while Nana took Sofie for her first time! The girls loved it and as usual, cherished their time with Nana and Papa!

Family-oriented Saturday

2011-08-13T08:25:00.031-05:00

Our day began with a trip to meet Uncle Todd and his family with Mitch and Marla, Nana and Cousin Julie at Como. We looked at a few animals and headed to the adjoining amusement park for rides. Sofia's favorite was the Tiltawhirl while Samantha preferred the roller coaster. It was a quick visit, but we did manage to have lunch with Nana and Julie.

Once we got home, we made progress on a few projects. Samantha "purged" her room by herself (!) while Sofie helped me pull weeds in the backyard. Her desk is now ready for doing homework. It's our routine to prep for the school year by cleaning out things and it's a "skill" I hope both kids acquire. There are no hoarders in this house!

Reunion with Daddy

2011-08-12T08:56:00.012-05:00

Daddy came home yesterday and the dynamic adjusted in our home. Sofie was tired and usually needs some time before she will accept Daddy, Samantha did her own thing for a while and was eager for some time with just her and her dad. I was exhausted so I wasn't matching Daddy's level of excitement, not that I wasn't happy to have him home! 3 weeks is long time (even if he returns on the weekend) and I'm honest about it being difficult. It's also empowering to know what I can accomplish and I'm proud of myself. I didn't rely on the TV and all the grandparents helped, as did Antie She. Thanks for the support!

Samantha and Daddy got their wish for some adventures as they spent all day at the Mall of America. They went through the mirror maze, enjoyed plenty of rides and went to the aquarium. Their relationship is special and that is how it should be.

1st grade playdate

2011-08-09T07:28:00.005-05:00

This week we got together with a few other 1st graders to welcome a new student and chat. Samantha's school principal came, which is one of the things that I love about the school. The principal is a warm and caring guy. Even though the weather wasn't perfect, the rain held off until a minute after we left and it was nice to spend some more time with Samantha.

I like to be involved with her school because it gives me a perspective I wouldn't have otherwise. Samantha seems to appreciate my involvement and until her feelings change, I'll be there.

Another attempt at backyard camping

2011-08-07T08:00:00.012-05:00

For the second year in a row, we ended up in sleeping bags on the floor at our friends house instead of in a tent due to rain. We had a fabulous dinner, built a fire (thanks to the dads) for smores and had a great time playing. The kids all enjoyed Namaah's make-up kit, riding bikes and plenty of giggling at bedtime. The next morning we loaded the kids up for bagels and coffee for the moms.

Maybe next year we'll manage to stay outside!

Canoeing with Samantha

2011-08-04T20:29:00.018-05:00

Today we were able to return to a new favorite park for some quality time, just me and Samantha. We were overdue on an adventure with just us and this was a great idea!

I haven't been canoeing since the adventure with Daddy and Antie She when I was pregnant with Samantha. It was fun and Daddy would've been proud of me because I did well getting us around!

Samantha also did well even though she tired out quickly. Not only was it physically exerting, but it was Thursday night and she had spent most of the day in a pool. She spent most of our time on the water telling me where she wanted me to go and to hurry. (I wisely chose to have sense of humor about it.) We were playing a game to retrieve sponges and Samantha's competitive streak came out a bit. There are times I feel like I'm looking into a mirror when I'm with her, which makes me a little scared, but very proud too. It is such a honor to be her mom!

Naturalists

2011-07-31T00:08:00.009-05:00

Today I took the girls to a "class" at a nearby park. I've been trying to get them for years and finally attained my goal. It's a beautiful area with a beach and plenty of trails. There is a huge emphasis on sustainability and it's a friendly place. I'm happy that Samantha and Sofia enjoyed themselves. The girls had so much fun today that they're excited to go back as soon as possible!

Here's some pictures...

Another milestone with a new bike

2011-07-26T20:35:00.006-05:00

Last Sunday we took a trip to the bike store to get Samantha a bigger bike with no training wheels. She picked one and once we got home she tried it out. Our neighbors had their slip-n-slide out and invited us to join them. Being the motivating mother I am and sensing an opportunity to build Samantha's confidence, I told her she could go as soon as she made it down the hill in the backyard. I told her she has to know she can do it and it's fine if she falls, but she has to get back up to try again. Of course, she made it on the first try. Then it off to our neighbor's yard. Samantha got her fill and asked to come home and practice riding some more.

Here we are two days later and she is starting and stopping herself, riding on our street (while checking for traffic), and incredibly proud of herself. It was a joy to see her so happy with herself, knowing she was doing it ALL BY HERSELF! Later, I thanked her because moments like these are some of the best parts of parenting.

Highlights of Mid-Summer

2011-07-12T10:04:00.025-05:00

I was reflecting recently on how fast the summer has passed this year. We have only one week of July left! I guess time really does fly!

We have seen friends...

Got to have an impromptu performance at Book Club...

Visit with cousins Jennifer and Michael who finally got to meet Sofia...

Time with more friends...

And a tale of two sets of sisters...

Adventures with Grammy...

And family walks with Fonz around parks.

We are so fortunate to have our family and our friends!

A Day with Daddy

2011-07-05T17:38:00.011-05:00

Since I had to work today and Daddy had today as a holiday (and daycare was closed), Daddy had the girls all to himself. It was an exhausting weekend, but in spite of being tired, the girls went to an indoor trampoline playground. Each kid hopped for a solid hour. Nana went with and said she was tired just watching the girls. Papa took a break from golf and joined everyone for lunch too. After some quiet time at home, they headed to a park and got slushies (a.k.a. Squishys) on the way home.

When I returned home, everyone was very tired, but happy. We are extremely blessed in our lives.

Fourth of July Weekend

2011-07-04T07:10:00.001-05:00

The holiday weekend was relaxing and fun. It was nice to just be and focus on family time. There was synagogue, a splash park, ice cream, and most importantly time just spent together.

The girls and their cousins had fun playing together!

On the 4th, I swam with the girls while Daddy worked out. After some rest, the girls slept and we headed to Como Town for some rides!

Once we got home, we hung out with our neighbors and all the kids wore themselves out. There was some debate about whether we would make it to see the fireworks and Lexy gave us her own fireworks show. We finally retreated inside after a mosquito attack (I was bitten 24 times) and got to bed. It was exhausting, but a fun day!

What a wonderful weekend!

Happy Birthday Fonzie!

2011-07-03T22:19:00.006-05:00

Fonzie is 13! Our buddy and much loved beast of a Husky dog made it! He got a large amount of treats all day!

The entire family came to his birthday party today! We all ate a fantastic dinner. Thank you Daddy and Papa! Best of all, we enjoyed plenty of time with all the kids. They all had fun running around and playing. Sofia, Samantha, Dylan and Jordan are wonderful and so cute to watch! (Though Nana sticking her hand in Jordan's diaper knowing there was poop and then touching Daddy... Could've done without that.).

Fonzie's hearing is going, but not enough to drown out the fireworks that normally occur with the holiday. He is starting to seem like a really old dog, especially with this heat wave. Fonzie is loved and a member of our family. I was extremely pleased that he went into "spaz" mode and demonstrated his ability to run at full speed around the back yard this afternoon! It's so cool to see!

This is the face Fonzie makes when I take a picture of him eating his birthday present from Nana and Papa. I think it means, "Aw Mom! C'mon!"

I am not where I came from, I am what I choose to become.

2011-07-01T15:33:00.002-05:00

Carl Jung had it right.

I try to live in the moment every day, yet there are times when I look back with appreciation that I conquered my demons. Compared to most people, I had it really good - I just lacked some coping skills. I have a mother who is (and has always been) in my corner, loving me despite the mess I was. People appeared in my life just when I needed their help. Some are still here, others are not. Now I have a family of my own who loves me and is eager to spend time with me. I have friends who love the adventures (read: escapades) we have. I'm blessed and I appreciate what I have and where I came from. But I'm not done. I still have people to meet and things to do. It's important to me to help folks in any way possible because that's what helped me in my darkest moments. Sometimes it's just a smile and/or a empathetic ear. Other times it's being assertive by standing up against negativity. It can be as simple as seizing an opportunity to assist someone. The strangest thing is I end up feeling better afterwards, just by being kind. Pay it forward!

Remember this always my daughters, your choice is what you become since you have no control of where you come from. Focus on what you still have to do while taking care of yourself... That is how you attain true happiness.

Zoo Camp 2011

2011-06-24T19:57:00.003-05:00

A local theater company partnered with the nearby zoo for a special all-day camp that Samantha chose this year. She had so much fun last year that she wanted to go to Zoo Camp again. On the final day, the kids all gave a performance that Daddy, Nana and myself all attended.

Here is the penguin dance...

Sofia's 1st swimming lesson

2011-06-21T07:34:00.021-05:00

Sofia had her first swimming lesson today. She embraced the water and loved it! There was no sign of nervousness or apprehension. Sofia wasn't shy and loved her goggles! One of the most wonderful parts of being a parent is watching my child react to new experiences. Sofia is not that predictable and it made me giddy watching her tonight. We love her and the craziness she brings as a member of our family.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-20T06:21:00.033-05:00

I got up with the girls this morning and when Daddy came downstairs, I was making breakfast for the girls. He announced that he was going to step back from his job which has been consuming him more and more the past few months. I sighed with relief and counted our many blessings because it has been a difficult time for all of us struggling.

Any man can be a father, but it's takes a special man to be a dad. I'm so grateful that our daughters have a dad. He is there for them, involved in their lives and loving them. There are times I am awed watching him interact with the girls and they all light up. Daddy represents the male role model for them and should they choose a man to share their lives with, I hope they choose someone like him.

Here's some shots of our family dinner later in the day...

Long weekend in St. Louis

2011-06-14T20:58:00.035-05:00

We seized an opportunity to take a quick trip to St. Louis. Due to the expensive flight prices and Daddy's ever-changing work schedule, we chose to drive. Yes, we chose to spend 8 hours in a car all together EACH WAY. That's a total of 16 hours! And the drive was without any incidents BOTH WAYS! Whew, what a relief!

It was wonderful to see Antie and Uncie, Uncle Bob and all of his family. Everyone came over Saturday night, including Brooke and Benjamin, who Sofia christened "Orange Guy". (This was because he was wearing an orange shirt and she couldn't pronounce "Benjamin" until Sunday morning for whatever reason, but it was hilarious when she said it correctly!) The kids had a blast playing and Benjamin shared his love of mythology with me, which was fun!

We did our traditional trips to the zoo, Faust Park (including the carousel) and went to The Magic House. The girls adore Sophie and Satchel (the dogs), who were as accommodating as Antie and Uncie. We always enjoy our visits here!

About 5 minutes after leaving Antie and Uncie's, Samantha said, "I'm sure going to miss St. Louis". Agreed, my daughter... we always find it hard to leave.

Kids of Summer and Book Club with Samantha

2011-06-13T21:37:00.000-05:00

Daycare started for both kids today. In the afternoons, Samantha has the option of going to a park playgroup called "Kids of Summer". To say she loves it is an understatement! She was full of stories and very excited! They played games, went on a nature walk and had a great time! It's only for older kids so Sofia can't attend, which gives both girls a break from each other. (I think that's a good thing.)

After picking them up today, we headed to the library for a monthly book club that I signed Samantha and I up for. She didn't hesitate to participate in the discussion and even led it at times. As usual, I was hugely impressed by her confidence and her ability to articulate herself. I am so proud of her!

Samantha's last day of Kindergarten

2011-06-09T23:23:00.063-05:00

Wow, this school year just zoomed by! Today was Samantha's last day of school and yes, she got her report card. Wow, wow, wow! She got the equivalent of all A's this year. Exemplary indeed! Her teacher commented how much she appreciated how helpful Samantha was throughout the year. She also mentioned that Samantha is the most self-motivated student she's ever worked with. Way to go Samantha!

Samantha is wonderfully articulate and has grown so much over the year. She loves reading, but not necessarily to show off this talent. Out of nowhere, she will ask a question about something she has read. For example, signs are a big thing for her. Samantha wants to know why you can't turn right on red, so I explain it to her. Then she notices every time a car doesn't obey the law and comments on it. Sam is learning self-control and has faced bullying successfully already! She is thoughtful and constantly wants to give things (i.e. money, food) to anyone who catches her eye. I'm impressed by her ability to think outside of herself and what a wonderful characteristic to use! We are giving her every coping skill we can and she truly seems to use the tools, hence the successful encounter with a bully at school!

Samantha is loved very much by her family and everyone who meets her. We are incredibly proud of her and feel lucky to call her our daughter.

We love you kid!

BIG THANKS to Grammy

2011-06-07T10:57:00.004-05:00

Today was the last morning that Grammy came for morning kid duties, (take the Sofia to daycare and ensure Samantha gets on the school bus). With Daddy's crazy travel schedule and it's tendency to change at the last minute, Grammy's help has made it possible for me to avoid trouble at work and get to my office at a consistent and early hour. This has saved me so much stress!

Thank you Grammy for all you have done for us and all you continue to do! We are all appreciative and so grateful to have you involved with our lives! I hope you get just as much as you give because you are a wonderful mother and grandmother. You're a huge part of what makes our family wonderful!

Sofia's gymnastics show!

2011-06-06T08:34:00.018-05:00

Sofia got her moment to shine today since it was Show Week (a.k.a. last week)! Her whole family came to watch her performance, including Grammy, Nana and Papa. Her smile is the picture of pure joy and I couldn't be more proud to be her mommy. Sofia is fearless, affectionate and incredibly assertive!

Ta-da!

Family Fun Day at Samantha's school

2011-06-04T08:31:00.014-05:00

We had a lot of places to be this weekend, but Sofia wasn't feeling well so we simply adjusted our plans. In the morning, Sofia stayed with Daddy while Samantha and I went to synagogue. Then I took Samantha to Family Fun Day at her school. She was so excited to go! Older kids came up to say hi and Samantha was completely at ease. It was fun just to let her go! Not much time passed before she found a classmate and was off to play. In the video below, Samantha got to dunk a teacher. It was something she repeatedly talked about doing so I was as happy as she was when she accomplished it!

Our experience this year has been wonderful and it is wonderful to see Samantha so happy about school!

My last time in Kindergarten (At least for this year!)

2011-06-01T11:55:00.007-05:00

I volunteered for the last time in Samantha's classroom today. Wow, what an adventure it has been! I remember feeling apprehensive the first time I spoke with Samantha's teacher about working with the kids. I chose not to panic and try to guide the flow. It was an amazing experience getting to know the kids, learning their strengths and help them improve. I don't know if the kids truly enjoyed the time with me, but of course Samantha tells me they all did. She also tells me that one of the boys "LOVES" me. Really? Yes, we are there already. I honestly enjoyed hanging with the kids, talking about art, helping with puzzles, math, reading, or whatever else the teacher came up with. I remember some particularly hectic days feeling frazzled walking into the school and walking out after volunteering feeling so grateful for my daughter and my entire life. I noticed the clouds in the sky, spring flowers, fall colors and I always smiled. Nearly every week was like that, just filled with moments of marveling at our world.

Thank you Samantha for welcoming me into your life at school!

Our Green Green Garden

2011-05-29T21:13:00.000-05:00

We finally have a garden! I'm excited and proud because everyone helped to make it happen this year! Sofia helped pick up rocks and planted some. Samantha helped plant too. I cleared most of the existing area and Grammy finished digging things out while I picked up. Daddy planted and set up the fence to keep the rabbits out.

Here's some snapshots:

I can't wait to have the kids eat something that we grew ourselves!

Mommy's mobility problem

2011-05-26T06:57:00.002-05:00

I've had problems with my back for half of my life. Sprains, disc problems and most recently a muscle strain that literally can knock me on my butt. It is what it is and while I do take care of myself, I refuse to limit what I do and don't do very often. I try to use my stubbornness to my advantage by refusing to bow to the pain. As crazy as it may sound, when I fall, the girls see me get up (even though I'm struggling) and they watch me keep going.

This was the case a few weeks ago when I seized the opportunity to clear a space for a garden. We didn't get it done last year and I promised Sam that we would make it happen this year. Unfortunately, the bushes that were in the designated garden space didn't appreciate being uprooted and fought a great battle. I did ultimately win the battle, but not without injuring myself.

Last night Samantha asked how long it would be until my back isn't broken. She said it patiently, like she's dealing with it, but looking forward to me being back to normal. I'm assuming that she's looking forward to me running around again because I do play with them and I'm active. I explained that it will be a couple of weeks probably for this episode, but I will have back problems for the rest of my life. She looked at me doubtfully when I said it could be a lot worse than it is now.

I then told her about a friend from my adolescence that I lived with briefly who had survived a car wreck and ended up in a wheelchair. Jenny was an awesome friend and a positive influence on me. I told Samantha she did wheelies in her chair and that we had good, crazy fun. From people like Jenny, I learned that you should appreciate how good you've got it right now and that no matter what, you are the only person who will keep you down.

That is why whatever pain I'm feeling, I get up and keep going. There is no one to stop me besides me and I'm living that lesson every day. I'll admit that moving at a snail's pace can be maddening, but life is about progress and I'm taking it one step at a time.

Celebrating all the Grandparent's Birthdays

2011-05-22T22:37:00.000-05:00

We had everyone over today to celebrate the birthdays from the past week. Grammy, Nana and Papa joined us along with Todd, Shelly, Jordan and Dylan. Daddy cooked a favorite meal (Prime Rib Roast) and everyone enjoyed the cake that Todd and Shelly brought. The kids enjoyed playing and being crazy, as the video shows below.

This picture is one of my favorites of the night because it shows 2 loving grandparents with 2 of their loving grandchildren.

Drum roll please... this demonstrates the kids at very close proximity!

Nana and Papa's Birthday

2011-05-21T09:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to Nana and Papa!

We love you!

Nana and Papa had one wish for their birthday this year... to spend the day with the girls. We granted them their wish and off the kids went for a rainy day adventure. They did get some outside time at Minnehaha Falls where they were mesmerized by the waterfall and got some ice cream as well. After that, they went to Todd and Shelly's to enjoy some time with their cousins. I'm told everyone had fun!

We hope it was a great day for you!

Samantha asserts her independence

2011-05-19T09:33:00.000-05:00

Last night Samantha announced that she would put herself to bed and didn't want any stories. My only thought was, "Already? She doesn't want us reading to her? Did I do something wrong?" That was followed by the fear that she'll fall behind if we don't read to her.

I'm heartbroken, proud and bewildered by my eldest. I remind myself that it's good that she's assertive enough to state her request and that she may change her mind. In any case, I'm impressed by Samantha. She is a wonderful kid and growing more every day!

Here is a picture of her with her Nana and Papa. They have a great relationship!

Happy Birthday Grammy!

2011-05-17T09:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my mother!

My cheerleader and friend like no other.

No fear, no judgment... Just us being crazy.

The memories are fun and not too hazy.

I've got her back and she covers mine,

Hopefully she enjoys being 69!

We love you Grammy! Thank you for all you've done and you do to continue to help us!

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T09:22:00.000-05:00

We hosted our annual brunch for our family today. Grammy, Susie, Stu, Leah, Aunt Merrian and Uncle Todd and his family came over. It's always great to see my niece and nephew who are growing up so fast! Nana and Papa are on a trip, but we had a nice phone conversation and they're having a wonderful vacation. As usual, Daddy spoiled us with food and most of us ate too much!

We spent the afternoon reading and playing on the Wii since it rained here today. At least we all got plenty of outside time yesterday!

Bonus... I loved the present of earrings from Daddy and the girls. I'm very fortunate to have my family! Here's a picture that Samantha made for me!

This is our 3 generation picture.

Good Days with Friends

2011-05-07T09:14:00.000-05:00

Daddy enjoyed some time with his friends Friday night, so the girls and I stopped at a park on the way home from picking up Sofia, ate our Shabbat dinner on the deck and played with the neighbor kids. On Saturday, the girls and I headed to synagogue and then walked to a park to play with the our new friends again. I learned a few signs that we've been practicing. After some quiet time, we finally went to get a T-ball set and enjoyed playing with the neighbor kids again. Our neighbors are another reason to be grateful. They're awesome and fun to hang out with.

Lots of fun this weekend

2011-05-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

We began the weekend with some playtime at the neighbors for the kids while I was working in the yard and Daddy was making a nice Shabbat dinner. It was peaceful for me and a regular balanced day.

Saturday we had a family over that we met through our synagogue. They were kind and all the kids enjoyed playing together. 2 out of 5 members of this family are deaf, and we worked around it with writing since none of us know much about signing. Our family will continue to practice though and I hope that a friendship will develop since we had so much fun! After that Nana and Papa joined us for a peaceful and delicious dinner. Papa even managed to beat me twice in cribbage and that's a first!

Today we kept it low-key with obstacle courses, making pictures on the computer, reading, cupcakes from a Tasty Science kit, dancing and Daddy's first treasure hunt. His favorite clue was, "Sofie keeps her boogers here". I won't share the answer, but everyone in the house knew right where to look.

We are so blessed to have all that we have in our life. It requires a lot of effort, but the rewards far outweigh the trials!

A nice time with family on Easter

2011-04-24T08:57:00.000-05:00

Nana, Papa, Grammy, Bill, Leana, John and Pat (Leana's folks) came to our house for lunch today. It was a relaxing time and I loved watching the girls (especially Sofia) play with their Uncle Bill.

It was nice to catch up with everyone. Grammy brought John's photo albums that we looked through and read some of the cards that people have sent. She found a letter that I wrote to John when I was 7 years old and he was away at college which was unexpected, but I'm glad to have it.

Daddy was off this afternoon on another trip for a few days. After he left, we spent the afternoon outside playing with neighbors and having a great time with bubbles. Daddy is always missed when he is gone, but the girls and I do our best. We are extremely blessed to be loved and to love so many in our life!

Fine dining with Samantha and Sofia

2011-04-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

We took the opportunity to take Grammy and the girls to a fine dining restaurant (actually steakhouse). Daddy and I had no expectations and discussed leaving if it became necessary. I did some role-playing with both Samantha and Sofia to clarify what was okay and what wasn't. I pretended to be the server and quizzed them on what polite responses were. No, it is not okay to yell... The only food you eat with your fingers is the bread... Silverware is for putting food in your mouth... You know, the kind of stuff you don't think to explain to your kid and than act befuddled that they just don't seem to know that making a fort under the table isn't a great idea.

This is our self-portraits on the way to the restaurant.

As for the actual dinner... The girls were not into it but tolerated it well! (I bribed them by promising to play their "Shopkeeper" game and be a frequent customer.) I thanked everyone at the restaurant for indulging me and I promise it will be many, many years before I suggest it again.

Happy Passover!

2011-04-18T08:57:00.000-05:00

We didn't make it to our family seder this year since Sofia was sick on Monday. With Irving's passing so recent, it was doubly strange to not attend. Daddy was gone for the first few days and the commitments of my job and single parenting just took over so we didn't do much in the way of observance. I would like to learn more of Judaism and bring the girls along on my journey. I enjoy it. However, all we did this year was read some stories and that's okay. If that's all we ever do, then that's okay too. We are living our lives and our family continues to love each other very much!

John's Memorial

2011-04-15T21:14:00.006-05:00

Today was the memorial for my brother John. He left us a week ago and I doubt he realized the impact he had. John was a teacher, coach, advisor and a friend to many. At one point, there was a line out the door of people who wanted to pay their respects to Bill, myself and our mother. It was incredibly comforting to hear directly from his students the encouragement John gave them, as well as colleagues that received mentoring and friendship from him.

There are many questions that we'll never get the answers for, including why couldn't he ask for help instead of choosing his way. But John wasn't a man who compromised. He gave his entire self to his passions and spent his life on those passions, helping those around him while never asking for, nor accepting help. If you were pushing yourself he would back you up and if he suspected you weren't pushing hard enough, John would let you know.

I'm sorry that my kids and my husband never knew him, but I find solace in all the lives he touched and that he was able to give himself even in death through organ donation. While I hope to never go through this ordeal again, I'm so grateful for today because it allowed all who attended to take comfort and keep living.

Love is all that matters. Keep that in your life and you can truly live.

A trip to see King Tut and a picnic

2011-04-10T20:42:00.005-05:00

Today Auntie She came by for an outing. We headed to the Mississippi River for a picnic due to the wonderful weather and to see the flood waters, the hallmarks of spring. Then we went to the Science Museum for some play and to see the King Tut exhibit. Samantha learned quite a bit about Ancient Egypt in preschool so it was interesting for her. It was a good day and a break from all the grieving that our family has been dealing with. Especially with this picture!

Another Life Ends

2011-04-10T20:29:00.006-05:00

Last Friday I received horrible news. It was the kind of call that no one wants to get. My brother (John) was gone by his own hand. He was mostly estranged from the family and never met Daddy or Sofia. Samantha saw him once at a funeral when she was 10 months old. That was the last time my other brother, Bill and I saw him. This is painful on a level I can't yet describe and I am not going to try. Maybe it's strange, but upon returning home all I wanted (after a shower) was to play with my kids. We had a few neighbor kids over and had Nana, Papa and Wendy join us for dinner. It feels good to live. I am so grateful to have family and friends to support me... thank you!

Life without Irving

2011-04-08T12:08:00.015-05:00

Irving has died at the age of 96. We think he's in heaven playing cards and holding hands with Rose (his wife). I cannot imagine all the changes he saw in the world during his time here, but he took them all in stride. He was Daddy's beloved grandfather and a wonderful great-grandfather to our girls. Irving was a mentor to Daddy, who delivered a heartfelt eulogy. I'm sure Samantha will remember him and I think Sofia will too. Irving was the kindest soul I have ever met. He just loved and didn't worry about things out of his control. He always had a smile and watched his great-grandchildren with pure joy. That's what I appreciated most. Irving will be missed and we will continue to love him for all time.
This is what Daddy said about Irving at his service:

17 years ago I was at a cross roads in my life. I wasn’t doing well in college, my friends were dropping out or graduating and I wasn’t sure what to do. I sat down with my grandfather and told him how I felt and that I was thinking of leaving school. As was his way, he just listened to me and when I was through he told me what a big mistake I was making. He encouraged me to focus on the end result, to persevere and complete what I started. So I did, and I’m forever grateful for the talk we had that afternoon.

That was Irving and the role he filled in my life as well as many others. He was part of the greatest generation as they’ve been called – serving his country in World War II even though it meant missing the birth of my father. He and I used to talk about all of the technological advancements he’d seen in his life. It always used to amaze him to see, and sometimes even use, some of the handheld technology that I or my kids had. I even remember Todd and I getting him to play video games with us when we were kids. He wasn’t very good at them, but he did it anyway and he had fun with it.

He was a truly honest man – one of the few I’ve ever met in my life. As a man of few words sometimes, you still always knew how he felt. He’d give you anything he had if he thought you needed it more than he did. He never expected anything in return. That’s the person he was.

I remember when my brother and I were growing up thinking it was so strange to have grandparents that were so involved in our lives. Most of our friends didn’t have grandparents that were as involved in their lives as ours were and I think it amazed them too. He was always off of work on Tuesday afternoons and if we had a baseball game, or if there was a Twins Knot Hole Day at the dome or sometimes if it was just a nice day to go fishing, you knew he’d be there. He’d even bring along our friends sometimes and treated them just like they were his grandkids too. I see that now in the relationship my parents have with their grandchildren – those examples and shared experiences with him have now moved to the next generation. He was a true example of kindness and generosity that you just don’t see every day. He loved model railroading and I loved spending time in the basement with him constructing sets and fixing existing ones. I remember the day he was trying to repair a train he had knocked off the table and while I was helping him fix it he super-glued my fingers together. I remember when we realized what happened, he told me I would just have one gigantic finger for the rest of my life. Thankfully, Grandma had some nail polish remover and a few choice words I won’t repeat but that were stated with a smile on her face.

I feel very fortunate that he was here to meet his great grandchildren and develop a relationship with them. He was always interested in their activities and what they were into next. I remember when my oldest daughter Samantha was born, he came to the hospital to see her that afternoon. Watching him hold her, I remember thinking about the cycle starting over and all of the things he would do with her that he did with Todd and I growing up. I remember feeling happy that he would now be a role model for her and future great grandchildren to come; passing on his knowledge and enthusiasm for life to the next generation.

I believe we can all learn something from the life of my grandfather. He displayed the character traits that truly exemplify honesty, kindness and true acceptance of anyone. I wish there were more people like him in this world.

So at this point, I’d like to say thank you to him. Thank you for all of those baseball games, for those Tuesday afternoons fishing at Lake Calhoun, and for those Sunday afternoons watching football, building trains and super-gluing my fingers together. Thank you for that day 17 years ago when you pointed me back in the right direction and thank you for the examples you set and the role you played in all of our lives. Our entire family is grateful for having you in our lives and we’ll miss you dearly.

I know where ever he is right now, he’s with Grandma Rose and that’s the one place he’d really want to be.

Adventures in Grammy and Mom's hometown

2011-03-27T15:47:00.010-05:00

Today Grammy and I headed to my hometown to pick up some stuff he no longer wanted. Grammy pointed out homes she lived in, as well as her grandparents. It's amazing to me how many generations have stayed in the same area. We saw the house I grew up in and walked around the property. I showed them the scariest basement ever, which isn't nearly as frightening as I remember. Sofie and Samantha enjoyed the cat most of all I think, but the abundant space was a source of enjoyment too! On our way home, we stopped by the cemetery to pay respects to my grandparents and Grammy's siblings who have passed on. We also toured the town, showing the school and landmark bridge (the town's only claim to fame that I'm aware of). Samantha listened to the stories we told and it felt good to share some history with the next generation.

Family Vacation for Spring Break 2011 Part 2

2011-03-25T20:48:00.015-05:00

DAY FOUR: We went to Legoland and spent the entire day there. Both kids got their "driver's licenses" (Samantha was overly cautious while Sofia was so wild she never made it around the track). We saw the mini models and rode plenty of rides. Lunch was chips and an ice cream cone because sometimes that is just fun to do. We just missed the set up of Star Wars, which means we'll have to go back someday.

You'll have to visit us to see the results of their caricature portrait:

After we left Legoland we found the Carillo National Monument at Point Loma. It was a nice change of pace to be with nature and get a small history lesson. Then we got a call from family friends and managed to meet them for dinner. I even managed a quick stop at Ghiradelli's for cocoa. This is Samantha and one of her best friends, Naomi.

DAY FIVE: It was a lovely day to be outside and we took full advantage of it! We had to stop at "Bullshirt" for more souvenirs before going to Sea World. We saw all the shows, but our favorite was the dolphin show.

For dinner we went to a local pizzeria and a nice walk to the beach. No one was soaked on this trip. The kids had requested another trip to the park, so while everyone else sought shelter from the rain, we happily played in it! It was another long day, but we all had fun!

DAY SIX: It was time to head home, so we went to the beach again and walked around the Hotel Coronado. Daddy even got into playing tag on the beach! All of us sat watching the waves and while we were sad to leave, I think we were ready to come home. We just had a long flight to get there.

Everyone handled the flight home well. I sat with the girls on the way home and just as they started to get bored, we came up with a variation of 20 questions focused on animals we'd seen on vacation. The girls didn't even notice when we landed and we've been playing the game ever since!

I'm so glad that we were able to go on vacation as a family. It was a fun learning experience for us all and we were able to create a lot of memories!

Family Vacation for Spring Break 2011 Part 1

2011-03-25T20:47:00.013-05:00

Finally! We're on vacation! DAY ONE: At last, it was the day to go to the airport and fly away for a vacation! Our lives were chaotic and we weren't sure we were actually going for a few days. At the airport, everyone was excited and did very well. The flight was long and challenged us all, but we made it to San Diego and got our car to travel to the "island" where our hotel was. The kids were understandably antsy and hungry. They had what I termed, "excessive kid energy". As parents, our thought was get them dinner and find a playground. As we walked along the water, we noticed seals in the water which was fun. We picked up cupcakes at a shop we passed by. We listened to the concierge and ended up at a fancy restaurant, but we made the best of it and their fish tanks. After dinner and some wrong turns, we finally found a playground. Upon seeing the park, Sam yelled, "PARK!" with a measure of relief that gave me some insight into how hard travelling was on the kids. We played until dark and the kids went to bed late!

DAY TWO: We began our day with a trip to the beach even though it was very windy and cold. I was insistent that the kids be able to put their feet in the ocean. The video shows the simple joy that I was hoping for.

After putting our feet in the water (BRRRR!), the girls resumed their running back a forth. We were preparing to leave when Sofia fell and was hit by a wave. She stumbled and was hit by the next wave. By this time, Sofia was soaked. She commented that her feet were so sandy that she couldn't even check her toes! (I'm sure that someday this phase will pass!) That was priceless! After a quick change at the hotel, we were on to our next adventure at Balboa Park. There was a carousel that was irresistible to us, so we took a ride on that before going to the zoo. The San Diego Zoo was wonderful! One of Daddy's fraternity brothers and his son Andrew were able to meet us and it was awesome! The weather was cold (for San Diego at least) so the animals were more active and the zoo wasn't too crowded. It worked out perfectly! Check out the face paint the girls waited patiently for!

DAY THREE: It was raining, so we headed to the local Science/Children's Museum to prevent "kid energy buildup". The weather improved so we got some outside play too and found a park near the hotel. We finally were able to go swimming! All the pools were outdoor so we were at the mercy of the weather. We had ribs for dinner (not as good as Papa's), bought some cheesy souvenirs and visited the park on Orange and 7th again after seeing a rainbow. That was a nice moment filled with wonder and the peace that comes from being wholly present and not distracted.

This video is of the girls working together at the museum. They got on well for most of the entire trip!

School art fair and buying school spirit

2011-03-10T20:58:00.005-06:00

Nana and Papa joined us for a night at Samantha's school. We had ice cream, bought some books and viewed Samantha's art work. She was very proud to show it off. Samantha loves school, as demonstrated by the note she wrote her teacher shown below.

The following day there was a rally for school spirit. Samantha used only her money to purchase two bead necklaces for school colors and a stuffed mascot. It was a great opportunity for beginning money lessons. Daddy and I were very proud of her because she is very sensible. It's yet another facet of Samantha.

International Women's Day 2011

2011-03-08T17:49:00.007-06:00

100 years ago, women made their presence known by demonstrating their right to vote in this country. As women, we have since earned that and many other privileges because we didn't stop working towards equality. It is this day that is annually recognized to reflect on where women have been and what we strive to achieve.

There is one thing that will stop me or Samantha or Sofia (or anyone) from attaining our goals and that is ourselves. You have to find your way. Nothing stops me except myself and I alone am responsible for my choices. I own my decisions and I'm teaching that lesson to my girls. I'm not perfect, but they see me working on improvement every day. Maybe we hit an obstacle, but we rise up and continue on our path. We get knocked down and we get back up. I hope that I'm teaching them to work hard toward their goals and embrace their choices every single day.

Lessons of excess

2011-03-01T21:51:00.005-06:00

I try to utilize as many opportunities as I can for "teachable moments". I'm learning right along with the kids, as we all are.

Tonight's lesson was for Sofia (and Grammy). It is don't eat too much because you will get sick (in your bed when you're ready for sleep). Then you will get sick again. And again. Kudos to Sofia for making it to the toilet after throwing up in her bed initially. I'm telling you - Sofia is smart and learning every day!

UPDATE: Sofia ended up all night due to this. The poor kid was so exhausted and slept on and off the next day with Grammy. Of course when bedtime came, Sofia had no part of it. We achieved a new record of 10:45 pm!

P.S. We miss you Daddy!

My Chinese class with Samantha

2011-03-01T18:28:00.008-06:00

Samantha and I just finished a class on Chinese language and culture. She had a little Chinese at her preschool and was excited about the opportunity, especially because her friend Ella and her mom could join us. Our friends couldn't make it to every class, but we had fun! We learned about the history, provinces and tea in China. We made crafts and learned about some of the traditions to celebrate Chinese New Year. Samantha shined when it came to reciting the numbers because she remembered that from her previous exposure. Both of the teachers were in awe of her, as was I!

Samantha and I are still practicing the phrases we learned. She seems amused by watching me struggle to pronounce the words correctly! I'm so glad we did this! I love that we take time to do things together!

Ni hao!

A sisterly game

2011-02-28T21:29:00.004-06:00

This is a short video I managed to get during one of our many snowy evenings. The girls were eating cupcakes for dessert and Sofie was playfully teasing Samantha, who happily played along. For this moment at least, they were two sisters enjoying each other.

Bonus - I finally got Sofia's laugh recorded!

Sofia's toes

2011-02-27T14:45:00.005-06:00

It was dark outside and approaching bedtime for the children. Everyone was feeling worn out and their moods were erratic. I was trying to avert a tantrum from Sofia and in an effort to avoid yelling and use distraction, I told her she had some stuff (i.e. sock lint) between her toes. I didn't realize at the time that I would still be reeling from the consequences of that single statement. Now, Sofia "checks her toes" compulsively, multiple times a day. Without warning, she'll stop whatever she's doing, sit down and say, "I have to check my toes". And yes, she will check between every single toe. It's gotten to the point at daycare that she has to keep her socks on to curb the behavior. We usually just shake our heads at home because trying to convince her it's not necessary has proved to be futile.

We've had discussions with Sofia about this. You check once a day and only at home. That didn't stop her from checking her toes 3 times at her gymnastics class. It's comical and I know it will pass. I just want it written that I didn't mean for this to happen! I was only trying to distract her from a tantrum!

Practice School Lock downs and an Unknown Future

2011-02-25T06:54:00.011-06:00

Last night at dinner, we were sitting together as a family and talking about our days. Samantha casually mentions that they had a practice lock down today. That was a jolt. Kindergartners being drilled on staying quiet while hiding the coat nook? After a few seconds, I composed myself and asked what would cause a lock down. I wanted to know how much she knew about the real reason for lock downs. Samantha gave an example of someone who was really mad that they would need to hide from. I told her that I've heard of some people that try to hurt others and that it was good that she was aware of that. She seemed to understand and the conversation moved on. However, I'm left with another example of how the world has changed since my childhood.

I'm prepared for things to be different for our kids. Cyber-bullying and the illusion of community over the Internet are just 2 examples. The prevalence and effects of technology and sensationalized media can be overwhelming. But the main message Daddy and I are sending isn't one that forbids all things "evil", but essentially to practice self-discipline. There is balance in moderation. Play video games, but not all the time. Don't watch more than an episode or two of TV. Eat until you're not hungry any longer, don't stuff yourself because then you probably won't feel good. (This theory is usually tested by me every other month or so.)

Screen limitations are enforced lately because we've noticed that the girls aren't as attentive or respectful after watching hours of TV. We've been having a lot of conversations with Samantha especially about that because awareness is the first step. I don't watch a lot of TV, but I am a compulsive reader on my iPhone and yes, I'm working on it.

The truth is that there is violence every day in this world and all we can do as parents is teach them to learn and adapt to whatever their situation is. We'll get more into self-defense and role-playing as our girls grow. The future is unknown and at our house, we are okay with that.

Sofie's first gymnastics class

2011-02-21T11:27:00.005-06:00

I have been impatiently waiting for Sofia to become potty-trained so we could enroll her in a class. It's that path we forged with Samantha and I'm excited to follow that pattern for Sofia. We went to an open house at the gym to see how Sofia would react and explained that this is where her class would be. She met the instructor and was a little shy, but you could still see the excitement.

The following Monday she got to wear the sparkly leotard (a hand-me-down from Sam) and we went to the gym. Sofia eagerly walked and in no time she owned the place. I was so proud of her! Her coordination is impressive! It was wonderful to see her having so much fun, a true parental rush. Sofia shined so brightly!

Sofia gave us an affirmation of how much she enjoyed her class by asking the following day to go to the gym!

Winter time party

2011-02-12T20:15:00.016-06:00

I had the idea of having a party because Sofie and Samantha enjoy their friends. (Duh, they're kids!) There really was no other reason besides that I wanted to give that to them. It's difficult at times to schedule play dates and I know Samantha has missed seeing friends from her preschool. So I sent an invitation out and 5 girls came today. Auntie She came to assist (thank you!) and our adventure began. I had crafts for the kids and told them to bring music for dancing. We played "Duck Duck Goose", "Hide and Seek" , "Freeze Dance" and we had a treasure hunt with candy as the treasure. It was exhausting, but a really fun time was had by all.

I was really impressed by all the girls today. They were polite and full of giggles. Auntie She and I stayed out of the way and let the girls be for the most part. I wasn't going to step in unless absolutely necessary because they need to figure things out themselves. All of the girls didn't want to leave so that means they all had a great time! They ran all through the house and seemed to enjoy the master bath and "the club" (a.k.a. the space under the stairs that's just for Sam and Sofie) the most.

I don't know if I was reading it wrong, but I got the impression from all of the parents that they were uneasy for there not being a reason (i.e. birthday) for the party. I truly didn't have a reason other than wanting a huge playdate for my kids. Rather than wait for an invite to a birthday, why not just host a get-together ourselves? It turned out to be more work than what I was expecting, but it was worth it because everyone had fun.

It truly was an adventure today! I learned a lot by watching all the kids. The little kids, Sofia and Johanna, didn't keep up with the bigger kids, but we still kept them busy with fun stuff. Samantha was fantastic in letting all the kids who could read take turns with the treasure hunt clues. Sofia joined in without hesitation while all the girls danced in a circle. They have good friends and it's great to see! Other than practicing good hand-washing, (which everyone had to do... yes, I was watching and I'm not ashamed!) I was pleasantly surprised at how well everyone got along and how little drama there was.

So many moments to remember! I hope the girls retain some part of today in their memories. Today will definitely live forever in my memory! I'm glad I did this for them and yes, I hope to do it again. I think all of us will sleep well tonight!

Again, thank you Auntie She! Hopefully the grown-up time afterwards was enough of me showing gratitude!

Samantha asks a question

2011-02-10T20:48:00.007-06:00

One of Samantha's classmates shared yesterday that his mom is going to have a baby this fall. As she was telling me this, she stopped and asked, "Mom, how do you get a baby?" Thankfully, I didn't have to respond because she continued with, "How do you get the baby out?". I answered her honestly and after she thought about it, Samantha said, "You mean you poop the baby out? I explained a little bit about female anatomy and said, "No. Women do not poop babies out."

I want to be the mom who speaks the truth, I really do. I just struggle with eloquence before I've had my morning caffeine.

I love that she asks though! Samantha confides in me and tells me little "secrets" often. I know it won't always be like that, but I hope that we pass through whatever storms we encounter together.

Family

2011-02-04T22:27:00.005-06:00

We are extremely fortunate to have many members of our family live relatively close by. I know how grateful I am every day for the support of the grandparents and the joy of seeing my niece and nephew grow.

Here are some pictures from recent gatherings...

Sofia loves her Uncle Todd! (He did eventually finish the book.)

Samantha's Birthday Parties

2011-02-04T05:50:00.009-06:00

We kept the tradition of separate friends and family birthday parties this year.

Samantha invited classmates to the Science Museum which was fun. The party included admission to all the exhibits so after the party the kids got to roam the museum. Everyone enjoyed making glow in the dark slime, bubbling volcanoes and creating colors. The theme was magic potions. It was entertaining to watch!

The following weekend we had the family over and managed to visit Irving afterwards. Samantha has been listening non-stop to the Taylor Swift CD that Uncle Todd and Aunt Shelly gave her. It works nicely with the radio we gave Samantha. She got a lot of wonderful gifts this year from everyone!

You are beloved Samantha!

Crazy week

2011-02-04T05:42:00.005-06:00

What a week! Daddy is coming back today!

Thank you so much to Grammy! You helped us so much this week by picking up the girls and getting them dinner. We all appreciate it!

In preparations for Daddy to be gone, the girls and I created some goals for ourselves. We all did fairly well, but we were not perfect.

Sofia's are good listening and NO HITTING.

Samantha's goal was to be a sister, not the mom. (In other words, she needed to let me be the parent and stop trying to control Sofia.)

Mine was to stay calm.

Other highlights from the week... Auntie She had a birthday that I'm very excited to celebrate this weekend and Irving's surgery went well so he's back at his apartment.

Happy Birthday Samantha!

2011-01-27T09:08:00.007-06:00

Happy Birthday Samantha!

6 years full of love, laughter and learning!

Since it was a school day, we went out for dinner to Broadway (her choice). Daddy is still recovering, but the rest of us (and Grammy) ate plenty of pizza and enjoyed Samantha's dessert. The deep dish chocolate chip cookie was yummy!

The many facets of mom

2011-01-21T22:23:00.006-06:00

Sometimes I struggle with all the roles I live, but it truly is a wonderful life.

I'm a mother, wife, friend, volunteer, full-time employee among other things. I try to take care of myself to avoid feeling drained, but consecutive nights of not enough sleep and some overtime at the office are just this week's extras. I'm trying to set an example of a "strong confident woman" for my daughters by having that attitude. But, I'm not perfect. The example is reality, I am a flawed woman who still feels insecure at times. Today was one of those times. It is hard, but the rewards of my life far outweigh the work. The kids I work with at Sam's school (including Samantha) all smile when I walk in and even give me hugs! I'm valued at work, called by my friends in good times and bad and loved more than I ever believed possible by my wonderful husband. I love my family and I am loved by them. What more is there?

I still have dreams I haven't fulfilled like traveling the world, getting a master's degree and volunteering more. The truth is I won't get to do everything I want to do. That fact is why I work so hard to do all I do today. I want to do and learn as much as I can while I'm here, but I have to pace myself. I have hopes of showing our girls the world's different cultures and belonging to a community beyond family. I'm trying to teach them to find their own strength and use it.

My life before I was married seems so long ago. I was 20 when I first met Daddy. From the first meeting, I knew he was special. His dark eyes showed kindness and humor. Our story is full of twists and turns which make it extraordinary and precious. I chose him and he chose me. And here we are, blessed and full of determination to keep going.

Sofia's days with Nana, Grammy and Daddy

2011-01-13T11:48:00.008-06:00

Daycare was closed this week, so as usual the grandparents stepped up to help us. This week Sofia got a night at Nana and Papa's, followed by a day with Nana. Sofie also got 2 days with Grammy, which got us on the road to a diaper-free lifestyle. The rest of the week she hung out with her dad. It was good for them to get some time alone together. Sofie has been preferring her dad lately to anyone, as demonstrated below in some cute moments.

Sofia is a wonderful girl and we are extremely proud of her!

Irving's birthday party

2011-01-07T07:42:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was Irving's 96th birthday! His birthday party was really fun! We got to see the extended family and I got some cute pictures. We got Irving a digital photo frame that I loaded with over 500 pictures of our extended family over the years. He is truly enjoying it and that's the best we can do.

Irving has been struggling with his health lately. The other night Samantha overheard Daddy and I discussing the situation. She became upset about the possibility that Irving will die someday. We both explained that death is a part of life and you can't avoid it. Death happens to everyone. We just don't know when, where or how it will happen. AND THAT IS OKAY. What matters is how we live our life, whether we are kind or not. That is the only thing in our control.

The important thing is that we give Irving all the love we can while he is here and we are doing that.

Happy Birthday to Jordan and Dylan!

2011-01-05T11:13:00.007-06:00

Happy 1st birthday to Jordan and Dylan!

It's pretty fun to be an aunt. Our niece and nephew are adorable and both kids are sweet. We enjoy them at every opportunity! Samantha and Sofia love their cousins so much! We are blessed to have them in our lives!

Their birthday party was a great evening! Aunt Shelly's nephews came with Mitch and Marla to celebrate the monumental occasion and our girls (and me) had a great time playing together! I even learned a new trick in flipping the girls!

Sofia's day with Mom

2011-01-03T16:58:00.008-06:00

I got to spend the day with Sofia today. She hasn't been feeling well so we kept it as subdued as possible. There were many rounds of dominoes and card games. We did manage to run some errands, but the day was mostly us just playing whatever Sofia was in the mood to play. It was wonderful to just be with her. I cherish these days with my kids and being able to focus on them. She is an amazing little girl and I am very honored to be her mom.

Here is the closest thing I could get to a picture where she isn't a complete blur. We call her the "energizer bunny" because she doesn't stop moving!

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011!

2010-12-31T20:25:00.008-06:00

We continued our New Year's tradition of the girls going with Nana and Papa for the night. Daddy and I stayed home while the girls went to a hotel for swimming and time with their grandparents. They get to be kids and be catered to. It's special and I'm glad they get to do it. It's been an amazing year and I'm grateful for every minute we have in this family! Happy New Year!

Here's some snapshots from Nana...

2011 began with a lazy morning for Daddy and I while the girls were off to the Mall for unlimited rides.

Thank you Nana and Papa for being wonderful grandparents!

Samantha's day (with Mom mostly)

2010-12-27T08:51:00.006-06:00

I was excited to have a day with Samantha at her request. The destination was the Mall which was fine. It was extremely crowded, but thankfully we didn't have to wait for much. She only went on a couple of rides before lunch and loved the log ride. We had a wonderful lunch at Crave and then she requested to go on the climbing ride. After a long wait, we put on a harness and ascended. We were very close to the ceiling and I'm proud to say that Samantha (nor I) didn't panic. (It takes a lot to get my adrenaline going, but it was really freaky at times!) Once we got down, we rewarded ourselves with ice cream cones before heading home.

This was the climbing thing from the ground... look closely and you will see people. The following picture is the one I took at the top, near the ceiling!

To cap off her day of fun, she went to play at a friend's house. I'm sure she will sleep well tonight!

It's so hard to say goodbye, but we love visits from Antie and Uncie!

2010-12-26T17:28:00.006-06:00

We already miss Antie and Uncie, who by visiting gave us the best Christmas weekend ever! The visits are always too short, but the comfort level is always there. We just pick up where we left off.

Some highlights:

Jan's face when she realized a text conversation was with me and not Jason. I can be funny too!
Uncie watching Daddy use the snowblower, then playing with the girls outside!
Daddy's best roast ever! Thanks for a fabulous dinner!
Visiting Irving. He looks good with his haircut!
Sofie saying, "Stop" with a pointed finger and a scowl.
Uncie imitating her.
Antie imitating her.
Samantha demonstrating her skills with Just Dance Kids.
Uncie trying Just Dance Kids too.
Getting both my niece and nephew to laugh and play with me!
The gingerbread house that was fun to decorate, but didn't last due to a poor foundation.

Strikes for everyone!

2010-12-21T19:38:00.003-06:00

Bowling on the Wii is a game that we've been playing alot. Tonight Sofie joined the ranks of those who have gotten stikes all on her own! The entire family has gotten stikes now! Sam is getting better and better, breaking 200 often!

Current record (by me): 245

Fighting without cruelty is good

2010-12-19T20:53:00.007-06:00

Tonight was frustrating for everyone in the house. One moment everyone was fine and the next we were crabby. I'm not entirely sure why, but we all struggled. Maybe it's as simple as we were all tired from the weekend. The kids were low on energy for listening and the parents were frustrated by the lack of listening. Usually I give warnings before I yell (as does Daddy) and today was no exception. The problem was that the kids didn't "hear", i.e. listen to the warning, so the girls looked at me like I was a lunatic.

The true discussion started when Samantha said she wished she could have a better family and a better life. (I stayed calm and didn't take it personally.) I explained that sometimes arguments are good. As long as you're not trying to be cruel, fighting (i.e. airing of the grievances) is healthy. Say what you need to say and move on. (Example: I'm frustrated that you're doing a puzzle with Sofie when I wanted to play store with her.) It's not possible for everyone to be happy all the time. Life just doesn't work that way. The trick is to know why you're not happy so you can deal with it. I told her that I loved her and that will never change no matter how angry she and I get. I reminded her that I'm not perfect and that I'm doing the best I can. I also told her she's not perfect. What matters is that tomorrow is a new day and we can choose to be respectful and listen to each other.

Our goal in parenting is simple - raise our kids to handle the real world. The world where people are cranky at times and happy others. Where some people are just mean and you never know why. (It's usually a safe assumption in those cases that it's not about you.) The world where your parents love you, but won't read bedtime stories when you hit them repeatedly with a stuffed animal after they say it's time to stop hitting. The reality is there are consequences and as parents, Daddy and I don't hide that. We are trying to teach them that no one in the world is perfect, so don't try - just do your best and be okay with that. You can choose your path and you must walk it.

Despite the irritations of the evening, I think we succeeded in making it a teachable moment and showed we will all still love each other in the morning.

Science Museum

2010-12-12T15:04:00.006-06:00

We took our first trip to the Science Museum today! I had planned to take the girls myself, but Daddy came with too. It was great fun and I'm sure we'll go back soon. The girls loved the musical staircase, the geometry play structures and the dinosaurs.

I love museums and I'm glad that we get out to them!

The snow just keeps coming!

2010-12-12T08:42:00.009-06:00

We're digging out after an epic snowstorm that left us over a foot of snow! Thankfully, Daddy and I took turns clearing the driveway and walkways. I took the girls outside to play and they promptly made a slide out of the mound of snow. We all got stuck at various points too. Sofie especially loves to eat the snow (white only - we've had numerous discussions about eating the other colors of snow). Samantha seemed to love rolling around in it the most. We all made snow angels and giggled as we wiggled around.

We were prepared for the storm and kept ourselves entertained with a variety of stuff. There was time for reading, art, dancing, bowling on our new Wii, and experimenting with cookies and frosting. Apparently Sofie wasn't into it like Sam and I, so she ate her frosting soup while Sam and I mixed the other bowls. We kept ourselves very busy and it was a great snow day!

Samantha gets a surprise from Papa and her first report card

2010-12-10T17:51:00.011-06:00

Papa made Samantha's day today by surprising her for lunch at her school. When I asked Sam what she thought of it she said with a smile, "It was pretty cool". My girls and their cousins are very fortunate to have Papa. He adores his grand kids and shows it at every opportunity!

Samantha brought home her first report card today. It was as expected, a glowing report! We are incredibly proud of her. Sam has changed a bit since school started. I think the more relaxed morning routine from the later start in the day helps, she's got a great teacher and a great group of classmates. Samantha has successfully dealt with a mean girl/bully (asserting herself and walking away), learned that she should only worry about managing herself versus trying to control all the other kids, and most importantly she's having fun. She is smart and loves learning which Daddy and I will . Her class is diverse thankfully so she's learning about different cultures too!

A good night and good morning

2010-12-09T11:19:00.006-06:00

Daddy was gone a couple of nights this week. The girls and I hunkered down for a night at home. They taught me how to play, "Tag Hide and Seek". Sam especially enjoyed demonstrating it for me. We were all active, but relaxed. It was a night without tempers or tantrums. No one lost their patience and I thoroughly stayed in the moment all night. I'll admit it's an ongoing struggle to be present consistently and ignore the distractions of housework, laundry and technology. I ignored everything and just played with my kids. I think they had as much fun as I did. We also had an amazingly smooth morning, again with no tempers flaring or crabbiness.

Watching my girls interact is always interesting. They are sisters - something I have no experience with. Samantha and Sofia seem to either really love or despise each other. From what I hear, that's standard behavior in the way of sisters. I think I'm okay with not knowing what having a sister is like, especially during my girl's epic battles!