February 2012

February came and went quickly!  There was too much going on at work for me and it has been crazy!  Our family life certainly didn't suffer too much though, thanks to caffeine, Daddy, grandparents and friends! 

A birthday party where Sofia got to play in a waterpark...

 A visit from Antie She...

A cute moment between Daddy and Sofia...

Sofia's Masquerade Ball

Sofia's preschool had a Masquerade Ball which I took her too.  At first she was shy, but relaxed quickly after finding her friends.  We ate, danced, played games and had a blast!

The First Sleepover

Last Friday night Samantha and Sofia each had a friend stay over at our house.  I opted for more kids to prevent fighting over just one friend.  It was the first sleepover for all the girls, though both have been here to play multiple times.  I was cautiously optimistic and hopeful for little drama.  Daddy was in bed struggling with bronchitis, so I was effectively on my own.

I left work (it was a long week), picked up all four girls and we headed home.  The older girls ran to Samantha's room for privacy.  The younger ones ran to the living room to immediately play.  I stood there wondering what to do with myself.  I don't want to hover, but I don't dare relax.  Yet I needed to "project" casual and be the cool mom.  I had to feed them too. 

Sofia is usually tired Friday nights and she struggled a bit.  Sofia wanted Samantha's friend, not her guest.  I tried patience, but it culminated in Sofia being in her room while Daddy entertained her friend.  Sofia came out of it for the most part and all was well.

Everyone stayed up later than normal, there was plenty of junk available though no one binged, and it was only Samantha and Sofia that were up in the middle of the night.  Daddy made pancakes in the morning and the rest of the day went well.  Whew!  Another first for us has passed and I'll cherish it forever.  The girls have good friends and we are friends with their families.  Life is good and moving quickly.   

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.