January 2012

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

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

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

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

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

Random fun things

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"...