winterfest

C's class performed at the preschool Winterfest again this year. I was under the weather, but Daddy A videotaped the program for me. Here's one selection, just for you!

Snow Ball
I made myself a snow ball as perfect as could be
I thought I'd keep it as a pet and let it sleep with me
I made it some pajamas and a pillow for it's head
Then, last night it ran away
But first -- it wet the bed.
Shel Silverstein

Bring It On! The Musical

In early February, Bring It On! The Musical came to our local auditorium.  P was interested in seeing the show after spending last year on the competitive cheerleading circuit.  C, of course, loves anything involving the stage.  P donned his cheer jacket from the National Championships 2013 and we headed out.

The boys rode the elevator a few times... just for fun.

P got to go backstage and see a few of the stunts while the cast was practicing.  We did eventually settle into our seats.  The show was awesome.  All four of us enjoyed the evening!

the belts of purple

At the end of January, P was ready to test for his purple belt.  C wasn't quite ready to test for his orange belt, but he was able to test for a white belt with a colored stripe, which was supposed to signify that he had gained some knowledge of the white belt curriculum but hadn't mastered all of it yet.  I think it actually signified that I have a willingness to open my wallet far more often than I ought.  Anyway, C chose a purple stripe belt both to match P's purple belt and because "purple is my favorite color of all the belt options".  I'll let y'all decide which reason held more weight.

P and C showed their self defense, sparring, and form skills and graduated to new levels!

C stopped for a high five from P when he was on the way to receive his new belt.  It was a "mom moment" for me... and I may frame this photo and gaze at it adoringly when the summer bickering starts.

Way to go, boys! Daddy and I are proud of your hard work. :)

Let it Snow!

perhaps we should stick to the blue squares

We had more snow than usual this winter, and the boys took the opportunity to spend hours sledding down the neighbors' driveway.

It was all fun and games until C went face first into the parked truck at the bottom of the hill.  I'll spare y'all the picture.  We had a conversation very reminiscent of Marcia Brady the night of The Great Sledding Debacle of 2014.

me:  Please move your hands, baby.  I need to look at your face and see if anything might be broken.

C:  No, no!  If my nose is broken please don't send me to school.  Please, mommy!  I don't want anyone to see me with my face like this!

It wasn't a conversation I expected to have with a son, especially one still in preschool.  I was worried in the moment, of course, but it struck me as funny later.  Fortunately, his nose and cheek were both not broken, and he recovered quickly... but I don't think he'll be skiing down any Black Diamond trails in the near future.

ordinary days

Lo, these many months ago, Daddy A took this picture.  {It was in January.}  C arrived at school and went straight to the science center to finish his experiment.  I can't help but notice that he's wearing his favorite shirt, which has a picture of Princess Anna and Queen Elsa of Frozen fame.  I enjoy his look of concentration in this photo, because it really showcases his personality.  He tends to focus - really focus - on whatever he's doing.  Provided, of course, that it's an activity he's chosen.  If anyone knows how I can achieve that look of attentiveness when I ask him to clean his room, please leave your advice in the comments.  :)

seven

Dear P,
     Today you are seven years old!  The last seven years could not have gone by any faster if we were in a DeLorean traveling 88 miles per hour.  Where does the time go?
     Seven years ago today, my heart was so full of love for you that I didn't think it could hold another bit.  But, just as it has with your younger brother, my heart has grown to love you more every day as I watch you turn into your own unique person.
     Seven years ago today, you came into my life and changed it forever.  You are our firstborn, so you are the one who made me a mom, and that was an amazing gift!  We went to the hospital on Friday, March 2, 2007 for a C-section because your head was stuck underneath my ribs.  I was prepped for surgery, and thirty short minutes later, I was handed a baby boy.  A big baby boy.  Eleven days early, you weighed nine pounds, nine ounces and I swear you smiled up at me as I looked down, wondering what to do this brand new, rosy bundle of joy.
     Seven years later, I still find myself wondering what to do.  And you still smile up at me.  As I think about the past seven years, I realize that your daddy and I have learned a lot, as parents and as people.
     Daddy and I have prayed so many things for you since before you were born and, true to form, God has done more than we could have asked or imagined.  You are a light in this world, not just to us, but to everyone who meets you.  And now you are seven.  Just like that.  Seven.
     This has been the year that you and I have become best friends.  Maybe it’s because your first grade year has been so busy with all the Tae Kwon Do and the homework and the piano lessons and the practice and you're just ready for a safe place to land at home, but this has been our year of being in love.  You can’t get enough of me.  It’s like I’ve grown an appendage that weighs fifty-nine pounds and likes to request "cuddle time”.  And I absolutely love it.  I am overjoyed that you - and your classmates - think it's wonderful that I work at your school, and you hop out of line to give me a hug when you see me in the hallway {but always with your teacher's permission, because you are a first born rule follower to the core, like your mama}.  I am savoring these moments, and also hoping that I capture some of these moments on film so that I can pull them out and show them to you in five years when you want me to drop you off blocks away from our destination or when you are furious with me for imposing limits on your freedom.  :)  I promise, I really am looking out for your best interests.
     This year has brought its share of challenges.  You’ve had your feelings hurt, felt misunderstood and had to learn what it means to stand up for yourself.  At times it’s been hard for me to watch, but I’ve seen your character grow and develop as you’ve put into practice what it means to be a good friend and the importance of treating others with kindness.
     You are tenderhearted, patient with others, and an engineer at heart.  You love to know and are always willing to explain how things work, from the mechanical to the emotional.  You can give me an elaborate description of how and why things are, how things could go differently, and why we might need to do things a certain way no matter what scenario you're dreaming up at the moment.
     This is the year I have really seen your amazing memory in action.  You are a champion speller, because once you see a word, you can spell it.  This year one of my wishes for you has come true - you have become a reader.  Today in the car on the way home from Raleigh, you read to yourself for almost three hours straight!
     You are the dream I couldn’t have imagined.  And Daddy and I love you more than you’ll ever know.  Happy Birthday, my sweet boy.  You are going to be great at being seven.
Love you forever,
                     Mom