a day in the life

When it's good, it's good

Once again, the lovely and talented Desiree has captured a moment in time for us.  Taken two spunky, sweet girls that are everything we live and breathe, clicked and snapped away, all the while making them giggle by saying 'poop' over and over (apparently, it works) and then wrapped it all up in a nice little digital image or two...or thirty.  Pure joy to my million-photo-ever-lovin heart.

People used to mistake these two for twins.  Sometimes i can see similarities...especially when i coordinate their outfits and style their hair the same way.  But each of them is definitely their own little person...and quickly growing into their own big persons.  I love these persons.  With all my favorite-little-persons-ever-lovin heart.

 

We got bugs

Our visitors came with no warning and no regard for the business of our lives.  They stayed too long as well.  Plus--they surprised me, showing up at 2am one night--as if i had nothing better to do than spend the night hopping in and out of bed, running to this toilet or that toilet, ridding myself of any calories from dinner the night before.  On one hand, I wish i'd enjoyed another piece of no-guilt pizza during my last meal.  On the other...well, It's just still to fresh to think about.

Irony:

(n.)	Incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs

The irony is, I had just convinced myself to get the flu shot this year.  Claire hasn't been able to in the past with her egg allergy so I've pushed it aside from year to year, only occasionally suffering through the consequences of visiting bugs.  But this year...this year Claire was officially cleared of her allergy and we were free to get the shot and spin that wheel of chance at staying healthy through flu season.  *sigh*  It was on my calendar for this very week.  "That's the definition of irony" I thought to myself, holding Claire's hair back while she barfed.

Since you been gone

Things have changed.  Like the total composition of typepad.  Yikes--when did that happen?  I'm finding my way around the new set-up--something you probably can't even detect from the 'outside', but trust me, the whole thing has a new look and I'm working on finding my footing in these new and vastly different surroundings.  Okay, it's not THAT dramatic.  But I like change when I make change and not so very much when i'm forced to change.  But rolling with it...rolling with it...

But since you (meaning me) been gone, I been B U S Y.  Busy with soccer, swim, volunteering, soccer, garden clean up, school projects, soccer, CBS, homework, (sure, there's shopping, cooking, cleaning spattered in there) and volunteering.  I really did think it got easier when the kids were in school.  But easier isn't the right word.  It's different.  Oh, I'm not asking for your pity.  Don't feel sorry for me because SOMEHOW I manage to squeeze in salon visits, work outs, manicures and pedicures, lunch with my husband, girls-weekends, and THIS ONE TIME, I sat on my ass and watched a show all by myself--in the middle of the day no-less!

So yeah, I been B U S Y.   And I'm planning to take in a movie in the near future (right after i give blood and put on a fund-raiser).  Ok, I'm pulling your chain.  But so NOT about the movie.

Soccer, baby!

Look at this little stud-muffin.  She's one of the ISC Red Rubies!

 

She's sporty-spice and we're loving it.  But what's funny is that a year ago we couldn't talk her into soccer if it were the last sport on Earth, covered with ice cream, and handing out groovy girls.  But for some reason she was finally willing to give it a try and wow what a turn around.  She loves it and really had a blast at their first game on Saturday.  Score was 9 to 2 but we're not supposed to be counting.  wink wink

We're hoping the upswing continues...especially when the rain starts to fall.  They play rain or shine so i've got hand warmers and thermal underware ready to go.  And that 's just for me.  The kids??  They'll be fine--might even have fun getting wet and muddy without getting in trouble. 

But for now, it's all smiles and sunshine. Go Red Rubies!

back in session

What a big year here at chezhein.  Faith--such a 2nd grader from day one and Claire joining the ranks in Kindergarten.  Whew.  Trust me, there's still a lot for me to do 'round here.  I'm not running off to join any work-pool just yet.  The idea...just the IDEA alone...of grocery shopping without helpers who sneak giant bags of marshmallows into my cart and fitting in a work-out with the guilt-ridden 'mommy-will-you-play-with-me?' assaults has me shuddering to think.  But yes, I still get a little verclempt when they get on that big yellow bus.

So we begin this year full of excitement and our hearts all a-flutter wondering just what we're all going to accomplish and conquer this year. I might start with ONE day a week for grocery shopping.  No more weeks with three half-assed attempts, always leaving 2 things off the list and adding 5 unnecessary point-of-purchase items.  No, I'm going to be grocery-alert.  Might even clip some coupons.

Maybe I'll plan out menus and make gym-dates.  Perhaps pre-arranged weekly play dates and a designated house-cleaning day so all the toilets are clean at the same time.  Am I aiming too high?  I must leave room for helping in the classroom (two classrooms) and my new PTA volunteer commitments.   It's not Harper Valley, but it's real and they've got my number.

That's just part of the day to day.  I know we all do it.  I'm just excited for the schedule to guide us a bit this year.  And sincerely looking forward to enjoying the ride.

 

Here's Faith on her first day of school!  And Claire the next day for the first day of Kindergarten!

Twas the night before school

I've tucked Claire into bed.  And Faith, though she's also supposed to be in bed, has gone back to Claire’s room for another good night. 

 

She crawls up on her bed, hugs her, kisses her.  Starts to walk away, but turns back.  She takes Claire’s little hand in hers, opens up her fingers and gently kisses her palm.  Then tells Claire to press it against her own cheek.

 

She says very softly and seriously, “good bye, Claire.  I might not see you tomorrow because I’m going to school early in the morning.  But when you’re at school, if you feel a little sad or lonely, just press your hand to your cheek and that’s me kissing you.  I’ll see you when I get off the bus.”

 

There I am leaning in the doorway like a sappy lifetime movie moment, wiping tears from my face (not kidding you).  Faith and I walk silently back to her room and when she’s tucked in and I’ve gathered my voice again I say, “thank you Faith.  That was a really, really great big sister moment.”

 

She gives a little smile, a little shrug and says, “it’s just my job, mom.”

My what a big girl you've become

Tonight, as i pulled outfits from closets and hung them on door knobs, ready for the morning rush that is the first day of school, I overheard this conversation in the girls' bathroom:

Faith: So Claire do you know how to spell 'boy'?

Claire: nope.

Faith: Well you should know.  Repeat after me.  B. O. Y.

Claire: B.O.Y

Faith: Good girl.  Do you know why you need to know how to spell boy?

Claire: nope.

Faith: Because you're going to go to my school now and you don't want to walk into the wrong bathroom.  So now you know if it says B.O.Y on the door, try the other one, okay?

Claire: thanks Faith!

Just can't say baby

THIS ONE:

 

is just no longer a baby.  Yes, i know she's been walking and talking and eating solid food for some time now, but what I mean is that she's reached that pivotal time that defines one of a 'certain age'.  She was an infant for such a briefperiod and it feels like forever-ago when she was a curious toddler.  Suddenly she was attending pre-school and then BAM!  She's 5 and has big plans for Kindergarten whether I like it or not. 

Sheesh, I know I shouldn't feel blind-sided by this.  But sometimes I do.  There is a part of me (no matter how tall she grows; no matter how many credit cards she one day holds) that will always see her like this:

 

When she was all about diapers and binkies and chubbs and ponies on the top of her head (okay, that last one was my fault).  When the grass tickled her toes and Elmo entertained.   

Today though?  Today, at age FIVE?  What defines Claire to me... a sensitive nature and a willingness to please (she's a sweetheart; a softy, and just wants to play nice).  A free-wheeling side and belly-busting laughter (She's funny and when she laughs, you cannot resist laughing along).  She's physically timid but will put herself 'out there' emotionally (she's not a fan of living dangerously--this includes somersaults--but if you ask her to, she'll give you her whole heart).  

Claire's Top 5 at 5:

Food: Bologna and cheese sandwiches.  Toy: Calico Critters. Color: blue.  Game: playing doggies.  Number: 5!

 

Roots

"This is so awesome--we should come here more often!" Quote, unquote by Faith.  This, after spending a day of our vacation this summer being tourists in Spokane.  Oh honey, do you know how many times in your little life you've been to Spokane?!  Okay, true, usually we are at the grandparents houses, maximizing the time with family and not touring the great city of SpokVegas as we lovingingly refer to it.  So I'll give her that.  But this time, we stayed overnight in the city so we could tour and see Moondoggie several times and it was TOPS.

First of all, there's this tent-thing from the great Expo '74.  I don't remember it--i was but a babe, but i hear tell of the masses.  It was open from May through November that year and welcomed over 5 million visitors.  No kidding.  And that wraps up our history lesson.  On to some pretty photos.

 

oohh ahhh... and just a little bit dizzy now.

And here's the Great Northern Clock tower (honest, I just learned the name)...built in 1902 as part of the Great Northern Railroad Station.  blah blah blah...also where they shoot off the pretty, pretty, sparkly fireworks on the 4th of July.

 

You can't go to Spokane without taking a gander at the Spokane River.  And then you might as well just hop into a gondola to ride over the mammoth short and sweet Spokane Falls.  That is, if you brought a wad of cash.  HE-LLOOO, no wonder we hadn't ridden it since 1989.  That was steep!  And I don't mean the Falls.

 

BUT.  It was fun.  The girls held hands and squealed with anticipation...and then it was over.  I jest--  it really was so much fun to see them experience it the way I remember it.  It was so high to them, and so thrilling to be hanging over the "rushing" water. 

So of course, we couldn't let the day end there.  Even though it was in the 90's, getting past their bedtime and we had an air conditioned hotel room awaiting us...

On to the other highlights of River Front Park.  Like posing with the bloomsday runners:

 

Taking an airplane ride:

 

The carousel:

 

...and of course the garbage-eating goat.  Sadly, as you can tell from the remnants of garbage he has NOT eaten, he was all worn out from the 4th of July.  But they still wanted a picture with him.

 

So how do you top a garbage-eating goat?  Especially one that's fasting?  How 'bout a little water limbo?

 

P.S. I made it.  Without getting wet.  I rock.

Only to be outdone by a giant Radio Flyer wagon.  Hmph.

  

And the day wouldn't be complete without goofin on the blocks.  Yes, apparently fun for all ages.

 

Thanks, SpokVegas!  Till next time.

CDA

This about sums it up:

 

That's the feeling of wind in your hair, on your face, feeling free and on vacation.  I wish I had a picture of each of us like this!  We had an amazing July vacation in Coeur d'Alene.  Back to the city where we were married and back to that beautiful lake.  Luckily, also back to a friend's lake house to really enjoy the beauty and the joy of lake living (see photo above if you're wondering what that feels like). 

So a week of sun and fun and a shout out to the Albrechts for getting us mobile on the water!!  It wouldn't have been half the vacation it was without 'water wheels'.  And because of that, our girls have developed a boating bug. And the boat bug that was already breeding inside my husband has developed into a full blown pregnancy and well, the future may have us birthing a third child that weighs in around 4500 pounds.  I am so not laboring this time.

But for now, let's focus on the here and now and the fun we DID have...

We got to play house at the lake, swim, boat, kayak, bonfire, and even give wakeboarding a go.  No really, we did.  Here's my proof thanks to Beth's camera/phone:

 

Okay that doesn't prove much except that I put the board on and got my hair wet.  But I did try and had the sore muscles to prove it.  Bryce jumped in on the fun too!  Sadly, with his blackberry in his pocket.  But that's a whole 'nother story.  One that measures the value in having an evil genius engineer for a brother...who happens to be at the lake with you...and happens to be adept at using small, MacGyver-like tools to completely dismantle a blackberry and SAVE the DAY.  p.s. he's not really evil, but i've always wanted to call him that.  He does good deeds with his genius.  Goooood deeds.

So the girls spent a great deal of time on the dock.  It's a lovely dock, as docks go.  But they really, really liked being on the dock and by the boat, or in the boat (tied to the dock), or on the dock waiting for the boat.  You get the idea.  Here, they practice their dock-walking skills.  And I'm happy to say there was not even one slip into the lake.

 

Since we're talking about the dock, I'll show you my favorite dock pictures of the vacation.  I call this one: Safety first, Cowgirl second. 

 

And this one...I just love this one.

 

And what do ya know?  Here's Claire back on the dock...you'd have thought we promised her candy if she babysat the dock.

 

But we didn't.  She was just dock-crazy.  Look how happy she is on that dock.  Note to self:  really great birthday present for Claire--a dock.

 

Oh dear lord, the sun is setting.  Somebody put that dock to bed already.

What's changed in a year?

This morning Bryce and i woke Faith with a bowl of powdered donut holes lit by a single birthday candle.  We sang, she smiled.  She always wakes up in a good mood and today was no different.  But, i'd wake up pretty happy too, if someone brought me donut holes in bed.  Or donuts.  Or anything sweet with a cakey texture. 

But I digress.

In a little girl's life, a whole lot changes in a year.  But there are some things we can count on when it comes to Faith.  Like I mentioned, she wakes up happy.  She also continues to be a night owl.  She finds joy in simple pleasures.  She's chatty in the morning.  She's chatty with friends.  She's chatty at bed-time.  She's responsible and often more mature than her years.  She still loves a good tickle.  She's fair.  She's a truth-teller.  When she's hurt, a kiss from mom or dad is still the perfect medicine.  She can turn anything into a song.  It's a rare day that she doesn't wear a bright smile.

What's changed in the last year?  Her baby face.  The length of her hair.  Her coordination.  Her smile...or rather the teeth in her smile.  Her height and therefore all her pants.  That's all expected, right?  It's the other, more subtle changes over a year's time that tend to surprise.  It's the way she's becoming more private.  How enamored she is by the details of her history (when she was a baby so very long ago).  Her interest in adult conversation.  The way she eyes her reflection.  Her need for eye contact while talking.  Her patience.  Her sincerity.  Her humor.

Though much stays the same and she continues to be the Faith we know and love, there's plenty of new material, too.  The growing pains are physical for her (another new surprise), but for me they are emotional.  Oh, I know she's supposed to grow up.  But I'd be lying if I told you that i didn't get a little misty about it now and then.  Luckily, Faith knows how to keep things light by shrugging off the seriousness of growing up to streak through the house naked every now and then. 

14

It's our 14th wedding anniversary today!  Seven dating years was followed by seven honeymoon years, followed by seven years of famine and drought (forgive me, I got carried away there) childbearing and childrearing.

Here we are on Day 1 and day 5110:

  

I'm completely aware that the wedding photo is just a little too distant to see our faces clearly.  That's all in my master plan.  This way, you can't quite see how much we've aged and might think we still look pretty young and vibrant.  All part of the plan.

And here we are with the ones we've been rearing for the past 7 years.  And...the family dog?  Oh, nope, that's just sweet Claire.  They like to keep us guessing.

 

Thank you, to my sweet husband for 14 years of wedded bliss! 

another day; every day

Today it's about just another day.  And every day when you're a mom or a dad.  Because once you become one, you don't sit around waiting for 'mother's day' and 'father's day' in order to enjoy your children.  And let's admit that we didn't have children in the first place just so that one day a year they could lavish presents upon us and serve us breakfast in bed.  Nope.  Motherhood and fatherhood aren't about what you get in return.  They're about giving.  Giving of yourself.  Giving life.  Giving generously without regret.  Giving your heart away.  Giving your best.  It's all about the giving.  Every day of the year.

BUT.  (A resounding but).  There is, in fact, a mothers day and a fathers day.  And on those days, we're reminded that it's a little bit about the getting too.  Getting handmade art projects.  Getting cards with barely legible signatures.  Getting hugs and kisses without asking.  Getting bacon and chocolate chip pancakes delived bed-side (and then getting to share them with hungry little children).  Even getting an entire day's agenda centered around you.  (Just as an example, if you are really lucky.) 

But more importantly, the day inspires reflection on the bigger "gets"-- like the fact that you get to love someone from the beginning of their little life.  You get the 'firsts' and you get the late night snuggles.  Getting the giggles and getting to kiss the tears away.  Getting to teach and getting to learn from someone half your size.  Getting to hold a tiny hand and getting the thrill of removing the training wheels.  Getting big, wet kisses and getting winked at with both eyes.

I do believe that if we measured out the giving and the getting and if we were really honest, we'd see that even though our jobs are to give and give, that somehow that getting cup runneth over and over and over.     

why i do what i do

My timeliness is indeed off this spring.  I mean summer.  See?  There I go again.  But there are photos and events-- or in some cases, entertaining non-events, that just need remembering.  And that's why I post/write/blog.  Mostly because I fear that I'm losing my memory at the ripe old age of never-you-mind and secondly, so the girls can look back one day and laugh.  Hearty belly-laughs i hope.  And cry, just a little when I write the sweet stuff.  And remember.  I want to jog their memories when they are as old as I am, and fill them up with a flood of warm and wonderful and funny family memories.

So, though it nearly stops my heart to go out of order and write un-sequentially, I must do it for the sake of the children.

Happy 4th!