Another Quote from Little

We've been watching a video from the library this week -- one of those Scholastic videos with 4 or 5 story books animated and read aloud. We LOVE those around there. I just ordered a big box of them through Big's school Scholastic order -- HERE is a link to them if you aren't familiar.

Anyway . . . our video contains James Marshall's redition of 'The Three Little Pigs" and in it, the Mommy Pig cries as her three piggies are leaving her at the story's start.

As the Mommy Pig is crying, Little asked me today, "Why Mommy Pig crying?"

"She's sad," was my quick response.

"Why she sad? Why she crying?" Little asked again. She wanted a better, clearer answer.

"She's sad because her three piggies are leaving her . . . they have grown up and are moving away. All mommies are sad when their babies grow up and leave. You and Big will grow up and one day move away, and then I will cry," I explained.

"You cry like Mommy Pig?" Little again inquired.

"I will. When you grow up and move away, I will cry," I firmly replied.

Her deep blue eyes looked right into mine, and she said, "Then I will give you my lovee."


What a little heartbreaker! One day she will leave and I will cry -- and I only hope something as simple and as wonderful as her little lovee will make it all better.

Living in Fear

I am currently living in fear that one or both of my girls are going to get sick.

It's inevitable. With back to school comes 'back to germs' -- and we've somehow made it through the first two weeks without a problem. I feel like it's just a matter of time.

I'm watching the girls like a hawk. We are washing hands like madwomen. Any unusual cough sends my heart racing with fear that someone is about to puke. Any lazy or lackadaisical behavior has me rubbing foreheads and tummies in search of a fever. Heaven forbid somebody sleeps in -- I've learned by now that late sleeping isn't usually a chance to be overjoyed . . . it's usually cause for alarm because it's often the first sign of illness. Today, when at mom/me gymnastics with Little, I nearly jumped out of my skin when I got a phone call on my cell from an unrecognized number . . . I was paralyzed with fear that Big's preschool was calling to report her sick and request my prompt attention to the matter.

It's really, really silly. But it's like I can't control it. Seriously, I'm terrified! What am I so afraid of, anyway? So -- they GET sick -- what is the big deal?

Honestly, there is only one thing driving my fear: vomit. I hate it. Loathe it. Can't tolerate it in the least. These girls of mine could get any flu or nasal/bronchial virus out there, and I would be the best mom and take the best care of them. I would snuggle them and do anything at all for them. But, GOD FORBID they bring home Norovirus . . . I just cannot take it.

Of course, I would take just as good of care of my girlies if they were puking . . .but it's just the whole process of the stomach virus that brings me to my knees. Literally.

It goes like this: one kid starts puking. I get her through the 6-8 hours of vomit fest, and then she is just out of it for the following 48 hours. Within usually about 12 hours of the end of the first vomit fest, the second child will get sick -- or I will come down with it. Either way, I spend days agonizing over the slightest stomach cramp or any slightly 'off' behavior displayed by the yet-t0-get-sick kid. Then, without fail, the other kid or I or BOTH of us start to get sick, and we are puking for another chunk of hours. Then everyone is feeling lousy and awful for about 2 more days. It SUCKS -- for lack of a better word. There is nothing more miserable, in my opinion.

I know all of this so well because we battled TWO different rounds of the Norovirus last year. Once in September, then again in January. And I got it both times. And I've HAD a stomach virus at least once a year since Meg was born. It's just about the most miserable thing in the entire world, in my opinion. Like I said, bring on the colds or sore throats . . . but please, please, no puking. And especially when Jim is out of town. Lucikly -- as I knock on lots and lots of wood -- Jim (or someone) has been around to help in the times when I've come down with the stomach virus simultaneously with a child. I don't know what I would do if I were to battle Queen Noro all alone.

Anyway, just wanted to share my fearfulness. I'm so scared. Living in fear stinks. Strangely enough, there is a very, tiny, itty bitty part of me that wishes we would all just get sick already and get it over with!

Favorite Photo Friday

Our Family, June 201, 2010, American Girl Cafe

Back to an old habit . . . Favorite Photo Fridays.

This one is a very recent family photo -- taken on Big's 4th birthday, after our dinner at American Girl Cafe. I just love it because we are all looking AND smiling. Is it a taste of darling family photos to come? Is it possible that I might start to get more family pictures where we are LOOKING at the camera simultaneously?

A mother can dream . . .

"Because you wuv me"

Both girls were sitting at our kitchen table this afternoon, working hard on their own individual coloring projects. Big was drawing a map . . . "In case we can't find our way home tonight after we go out to dinner," was her explanation. Little, in an effort to keep up with her constant 'monkey see, monkey do' philosophy in life, was also working on her own coloring activity in a Disney Princess coloring book.

Big was sitting at the head of our oval kitchen table; her sister was sitting 2 seats away. Their lunchbox filled with (washable -- because there is a God) crayons was between them. Without saying anything, Big got up and moved herself and her project to the seat directly next to little.

In her most mommy-like voice, as if she were quizzing her little sister, Big asked Little, "Do you know why your big sister moved over closer to you? Do you, Little?"

Without looking up from her Princess Jasmine coloring page, Little said, "Because you wuv me."

Their mommy, coloring along side them, felt her heart melt right there at the kitchen table. It melted into a little puddle, and she leaned over and kissed that sweet little blonde head of Little's. What a sweetie.

Of course, Big had to ruin the moment by correcting her little sister and informing her that she had really moved her seat to be closer to the crayons . . . but I know that there was a little part of Big deep inside that did move because she just loves her little sister to the moon.

Tennis

Ay-yi-yi. (Is that how you spell that?)





It's been a long time since this old lady has played tennis.

Me and my good ole' tennis partner, circa 2003

I've mentioned before that I'm hardly an athlete -- that working out just is not my idea of a good time -- and that I'm not as coordinated as one should be to attempt any type of game or sport. But tennis . . . well, I've played tennis before, so I guess it's the only semi-athletic thing that I can/like/will participate in.



It started shortly before high school. I was told by an uncle of mine who had a son at the Naval Academy that playing a high school varsity sport would help get me in to college. So, being that I was very college driven, I felt that I had to pick a sport.

Soccer? Tried that -- a lot of running, and I wasn't very good when I did get the ball.
Softball? Tried that too -- hated every minute.
Track? Forget it -- wouldn't voluntarily run or jump unless someone ruthless and dangerous was chasing me.
Basketball? Again, waaaay to much running and jumping for me.
Tennis? Hey -- maybe that could work . . . and, even if I don't get to play on the team so much, at least I'd look really cute in my little tennis skirt while sitting on the sidelines.



I started taking tennis lessons at age 14. I took lessons on and off for about 2 years, then I joined my high school's team. I found that doubles tennis was a lot more fun -- and less individual pressure -- and that I could probably make Varsity quickly if I was willing to play doubles. That was all it took. I played the #2 line of Varsity Doubles for my sophomore and junior years of high school. Oh, and I did I mention? My high school was not knowing for their stellar tennis teams. As a matter of fact, if I had gone to just about any other high school in the area, there is no WAY I would have made the team.



I played those 2 years in high school and figured, "A Varsity letter in Tennis and 2 years on the team -- that should be enough for a college recruiter to appreciate." And that was that.



About 6 years later, I was a new college graduate, and many of my college buddies and their friends about town were looking to form a competitive ladies tennis team. They were all of average ability -- they needed a player -- and I needed an excuse to buy more tennis skirts. I joined the ranks of ALTA Tennis and played faithfully each Sunday morning for a few seasons. I really enjoyed it -- I had a partner that I played so well with, and our team WON a lot of matches. I still was not the greatest player in the world (or on the TEAM -- or even on the court during any particular game -- for that matter), but I liked it.



Then I got engaged, got busy with wedding planning, and didn't know where I was going to live after getting married . . . so I hung up my racket. I thought I might be taking a few seasons off, but I wasn't really sure. And, again, that was that.



Now it's been 7 years. I've had 2 babies, 2 houses, and 2 different careers. And somehow, I have let someone else talk me into playing tennis again. I find myself digging out my skirts once more, and this time, the teams is serious and the ladies are all good players.



I'm rustier than I could have ever imagined. I haven't played in ages. It all feels so foreign. But I'm trying. Like I said, I never was a GREAT player to begin with . . . and now there are 7 long years standing between me and my once kinda decent ability. Yikes.



Wish me luck. The first game is next week.

And please don't say, "Break a Leg . . ." because I might actually do that in an effort to make an excuse for my horrible playing ability.

The New Schedule

Part of the reason that I stopped blogging so much was our schedule. Our daily schedule. You see, once upon a time, I used to get a nice chunk of 'free' time in the middle of the day . . . time to do laundry, catch up on dishes, return phone calls, maybe watch a tivo-ed program, and/or blog. That time, sadly, has passed. Sure, I still have a 2 year old that faithfully naps, but I also have a 4 year old that only naps on occasion. My afternoons are no longer wide open, with time for myself and anything I might like to do. I feel a lot of mom guilt when I take the mid-day time I could be spending with Big and use it to do things like blog or talk on the phone. So, my blogs have disappeared as quickly as Big's afternoon naps.

I know you are thinking, "Yes, but you have time at night . . ." and that is very true. I do put the girls to bed each night around 7:30pm, giving me 3-ish hours to myself in which I could sit here at my computer and blog. But, to be honest, many nights come . . . and I come down the stairs to my quiet main floor, both girls snuggling their lovees and drifting off to sleep in their beds . . . and the last thing I feel like doing is getting on the computer. I think I might have burned myself out on the whole computer thing. Back in the days of super busy HD Portraits, I used to jump right on the computer to edit photos, check email, etc., any free moment I had . . . but now I just don't want to. I'm over it. There is nothing on the computer that I can't look at later, when I'm in the mood for it. That's just the way it is. I'd rather watch TV or read a magazine with my free time -- return those phone calls I don't make during the day, take that shower I just never got around to. Sue me for being lazy.

Or maybe you are thinking, "You could have 'Mommy's Quiet Time" ' and require Big to lay down or do something like read books for a while each afternoon. Yeah, I've tried that. It works sometimes, and it doesn't work other times. Not to mention -- I don't get much time in my week for JUST Big. I could still take my mid-day time, but I feel that my days at home with Big are certainly numbered . . . Kindergarten and a full day 5 day a week schedule is on the horizon . . . so I've just given up my free time for, what I think to be, a greater cause.

But back to our schedule . . . yes, the schedule was a big reason why the blog took a back seat these past couple of months. And now that I look ahead to our next couple of months, the schedule is again rearing it's ugly head again. I have tried and tried NOT to over-book our lives -- especially being that I'm the only one here to deal with the busy-ness when it takes over and sends me to the brink -- but I feel as if I'm on the verge of doing just that: over booking us. We have preschool Mon-Thursday now, with Little going 2 of the 4 days. That, alone, is seriously taking some getting used to. (Whaaa Whaa, I know -- but it IS quite an adjustment for ALL of us!) We also have dance class for Big one afternoon, and then there is gymnastics for Little another afternoon. I've got a little mommy/me class I'm doing with Little one morning each week, and then I have my own tennis commitments two other mornings. The weeks are very full -- despite my conscious desire to not keep us all busier than we need to be.

It's enough to make me crazy . . . remembering who has to be where when. And remembering it all in enough time to do the necessary planning it takes to get us all there. Ugh.

Welcome to a new phase, Mom. I didn't realize it would come so soon -- only at ages 4 and 2 -- but it's here. Gone are the lazy mornings, the ability to shower mid day when the kids are sleeping, pajama days, and deciding what to do for the day after breakfast has been eaten and cleaned up. We are now in a new phase that requires lots of preplanning, scheduling, and showering every day before the kids get up (if I plan to shower at all!).

The new schedule is certainly taking some getting used to. So, how am I adjusting?

One day at a time.

P.S. --

What, you might ask, is Big doing on this Tuesday afternoon while I have found time to blog? Napping? Nope. Sitting in front of the TV, watching Word World. It seems that she, too, enjoys vegging out when she has some free time. I guess she gets it from her Mama. But she just came in to the office and asked me to come and sit in the living room with her . . . and how can I say no to that?

Back on Track . . .

This was the first week of school for Big. She's off to Pre K.

This was also the first week of 2 year old preschool for Little. She's growing too fast.

It was the first week for me and my newest endeavor: the neighborhood tennis team.

No firsts for Jim this week. His first 4 day traveling week since the 3rd week of July, but that's about it.

Anyway, since we are back on track with schedules and routine, I thought I'd try and get myself back on track with the blog. There are so many things I am constantly wanting to write about . . . our life, our experiences, our troubles and our successes . . . I think I'll see if I can get back into the swing of this blogging thing. And I like that it keeps a record of my life. A journal. I've missed that.

We will see. I can't promise myself that I'll be daily as I once was, but I can't promise I won't be, either. I'm just going to see how it goes.

So . . . to start off . . . our summer . . .

I'm happy to report that for the first time since the summer of 2005, we had a crisis-free, non-life-changing summer. Hallelujah! Five summers in a row of chaos . . . Big's birth the summer of 2006, a new house and a miscarriage the summer of 2007, Little's arrival in 2008, my mom's death and my dad's illness in 2009 . . . and then -- FINALLY -- nothing of importance to report in 2010.

I prayed for that. We did have a little health scare with my dad that turned out to be nothing as May turned into June . . . and all the while I was thinking, "Nope. He's fine. There is no way that God will give me another summer like this." Thank goodness I was right. We made it through the summer unscathed. Hooray for that.

We did our awesome Disney trip, then celebrated the girls' 2nd and 4th birthdays a month later. We made it through the anniversary of my mom's death mid summer, which was by far the hardest part of the summer season. We had a very nice 4th of July, and we enjoyed a nearly 2 week trip to the midwest and the Dahlby home at the Lake of the Ozarks in the days before going back to school.

Now were home, and all the usual stuff that comes with the fall is starting to happen. The girls are both in preschool this year -- Big goes M-Th, Little just T & Th. I am starting to play tennis with the neighborhood ladies . . . a game I played in high school and for a few seasons back in the early 2000s. It's been a looooong time since I played, and this week's first lesson totally showed that. Hopefully I will get better in time -- and if not, it's going to be a looooong season. Jim is back to his normal routine of traveling, though I can tell he is trying very hard to be around as much as he can. The end of summer is always, always so busy around here. I can tell that Jim is trying to be around for as much of it as he can, even with his hectic, never ending, overplanned work schedule.

I'm room mom for Little's preschool class. Jim is the soccer coach for Big's team. We've planned a little beach vacation for our clan of 4 in mid-September. Big has already picked out her Halloween costume. Fall is upon us (though it's still mid-August), and we are hoping to hit it full force, coming of a fairly event-free summer.

And now I'm back to blogging. At least for now I am. Like I said, we will see how it goes. I missed you all -- and if you missed me, then welcome back :)