Back Then

*Aiden: Mom, I'm really sorry about something that I need your help with.

*I was outside shooting hoops with Avery when Amanda poked her head outside.  Mom, I gave Aiden the test and he passed.  I said, 'Aiden, do you want a cigarette?' and he said "no thank you". 

(It might be helpful to know that I do role-playing with my kids and this cigarette one is from when we had a 10 year-old living in our house.  I think role playing is important for several reasons.  First, I want them to know that I know they'll be faced with temptation to lie, smoke, take candy from a stranger, keep an inappropriate secret, etc.  I want our dialogue to already have been opened about it when those things present themselves.  And, I want them to be prepared.  I want them to know, from practice here at home what their response should be when an adult tells them "its our secret, don't tell your parents".  And see?  Four year-old Aiden has already said "no" to cigarettes....by the time he's asked in high school, his sister will have already asked him 347 times.)  Now there's a parenthesis sidebar for you!  :)

* For those wondering, this was the cape of the day.  It is a piece of flooring pad, taped on with painters tape.  Both plentiful items around here.  :)

*The kids had worked really hard on their homework and chores in preparation for us sitting down to watch an American Girl movie.  I was downstairs doing laundry and Avery said, Mom, we're all ready to watch the movie!

Me: Ok...I wish it was a Christmas movie.  We have Miracle on 34th Street...what about that one?

Avery: No, I don't like that one.  Its too...."back then".

Then she called her brother and sister down...

Avery:  Amanda!  Aiden!  Do you want me to show you something??  Its over here.  I'll give you a hint....it was Mommy's from "back then".  Its called a clarinet...and it still works!

So wait.  Miracle on 34th Street (release date 1947!) and the clarinet that my parents bought for me in high school are BOTH from "back then"???

Amanda Turns Seven

Impossible to believe our sweet second-born is seven!  Her birthday often flirts with Thanksgiving Day and this year it landed on Wednesday.  In talking about plans for her birthday during the weeks leading up, there were really two things she had her heart set on.  1.) bringing cupcakes to school and 2.) eating out at Subway (??).

Amanda helped me bake and decorate the cupcakes and the girls had a half day of school so Shaun cut out of work and the five of us went a couple blocks to Subway.  

When we got back, Grammy & Bobbi were there to take her shopping.  She came back with a remote control helicopter.  I don't know why I'm still so often surprised by her randomness.

Nana and Grandpa John had also arrived from Florida for the Thanksgiving weekend, bearing gifts.

Eventually, we headed out to Amanda's choice of Red Robin (after we gently talked her out of a second Subway trip), followed by the premiere of Disney's Frozen.

Throughout our meal, Amanda kept asking if the staff was going to come sing to her.  When they finally did she acted pleased and embarrassed.

The following day was Thanksgiving, so part of dessert was birthday cake.....a rainbow cake, as requested.

I was frosting the cake the night before when we had to rush out to the movie.  I left everything, planning to come back to it.  When I did, the frosting had mysteriously disappeared out of the bowl, so it stayed partially frosted.   Hmmm....

More presents at Auntie Sarah's house the next day (lots of family time this weekend!)

Anyone who knows Amanda knows she is a one-of-a-kind, special girl.  She's got that "something" that people are just drawn to and she is often the life of the party.

This year she finished first grade and started second and we get funny stories from her teachers on a regular basis.  She learned how to read, tried new tricks at the skate park (dropping in!), lost her first tooth, grew out her hair-shaving debacle, said goodbye to a foster brother she was close to, took swim and voice lessons, moved to a new house, was in two shows and grew tall enough for bigger rides at the theme parks. 

She has a huge heart, is loyal and passionate.  She is the spice in our lives and we love her dearly.

Trademark pose.

Love you, Manda-Girl!!

Thanksgiving, Round II

For the past twelve years, running the 4.78 mile Road Race on Thanksgiving morning has been a fun tradition.  Its often cold and/or wet/snowy, there are too many people to be able to make good time and since I always host, there are other things I probably should be doing, but I still love it!

The air is electric, the mood festive and it feels like a slice of Americana....just a "feel good" event.  Plus, there's the guilt-free-eating-later-in-the-day factor.  :)  "Huffing for stuffing", as one t-shirt said.

Sarah and I ran together.  We each timed it on our own and each got exactly 58:59...what are the chances?

Sardines at the starting line.  We were middle of the pack and finally crossed the starting line 7 minutes after the gun went off.  The final ones crossed at 12 minutes, shortly before the wheelchairs and elite runners came through.  SO many people!

 Snipers....included in the "feel good" part??

 Back at home, my superhero (the big one) was hanging light fixtures and cooking turkeys and overseeing preparations.  He's pretty amazing (and also determined to never have to go to the race either as a runner or participant :).

 Twenty-two for dinner.  SO thankful for my new dining room that held all of us comfortably.

 Cousins!

 We are a sports family, for sure!

 We started the gas fireplace in the dining room for the first time.  SO pretty!

 Post turkey:

 A "meeting of the minds".  I heard the word "atoms" and ran the other way.  :)

The day was just perfect.  We've had our ups and downs like any family, but this year especially, there was such a sweet spirit.  We don't take it for granted and are so very thankful.

Thanksgiving, Round I

There is so very much to be thankful for and I love the holiday of Thanksgiving, that we as nation, take the time to recognize it.

As in many years past, our Thanksgiving was split into two days...one for my side and one for Shaun's.

My sister and her husband hosted my side and Amy did a beautiful job with all the decorations and details.  It was a quiet, relaxing day....with lots of kids!  :)

 

 It was nice enough to kick the kids outside, which we did.  :)

 What does the fox say?

 The sweet '09ers.

 And, What Does the Fox Say put to dance, choreographed by Madison, starring Trey with an enthusiastic support troupe.

So thankful for the gift of family!