Because Why Not

I have recently discovered Amazon Pantry. I love that I can order things we use at a discount and it just shows up on my porch. I have also been able to find some great options for Issa for lunches and snacks with no nitrates or MSG. It is good.

The kids love Amazon pantry for this:

It's a huge box. And last night they decided to do their homework in the box. Because why not.

It's A Wrap

Another dance season is in the books! We finished our last competition on Saturday, and I couldn't be more proud of this girl:

 She has grown so much this year. She made the giant leap from being a Tiny to being a Mini, and she felt herself being stretched. There were new challenges that come with being on a larger, more competitive team, and she rose to them. She has already set new goals for this summer next year, and I will be behind her every step of the way as she works towards those.

After her last dance, she did this:

She put a big old red lipstick kiss on my hand and whispered thank you. Thank you, sweet girl, for allowing me to witness your journey. I love you to the moon and back...

Happiness Is...

...starting your day with snuggles. I count it as a major motherhood victory that I actually got them out of bed.

This is why we have pets...

The kids have a half day today. By this point in the year, it's just a cruel trick. They both declared that it should just be a day off. In all fairness, they do get less than three hours of actual instructional time. They are over it. This means getting them out of the bed is a challenge.

I heard Issa's alarm going off, and when I walked in she had turned herself around so her feet were on her pillow. She announced she was not getting up. So I called in Neela.

Neela hopped up on her bed, and immediately went to lick Issa's face. The only problem was Neela was looking at feet where face should be. She started whimpering. I think she was convinced something terrible had happened to Issa over night. Issa heard her pitiful noises and threw the covers off! Neela's tail started wagging, she flopped over, and started giving Issa all kind of kisses--relieved to find her face. Issa cracked up, and we were off for a great day.

Sometimes, these critters drive me crazy. I get so tired of muddy paw prints and hair. We've had our share of pet heartbreak this year. But...those giggles. That love. They are worth everything.

NYCDA

This weekend, Issa and I were at the NYCDA Dance Convention in Greenville, NC. These girls danced their little feet off:

 They danced 5.5 hours on Saturday and six hours on Sunday. Issa decided this was absolutely her favorite convention she has ever been to because she learned so very much! These teachers were truly teachers. They taught a lot of technique in addition to choreography. On the way home, Issa was sharing some of the things she learned that will make her a better dancer, and I can't wait to see her incorporate those things this week.

This was also the most fun convention for me. I remember back to Issa's very first convention where she would turn and look at me every ten minutes with a terrified look on her face. She didn't know which way was up. Over the years, she has looked at me less and she has caught on more. This was the first convention, though, where I felt like she got it! It was fun to watch her dance, and she had fun doing it.

She also had fun supporting her teammates who were competing and spending time with those who were not:

I love listening to her giggle with friends, and I hope they keep dancing through life together.

I also love having the one-on-one time with her. Even though I can't take another minute of Taylor Swift or Disney Channel--the favored down time activities--I loved listening to her talk and think. Long car rides invite opportunities for real conversation, and nights in the hotel room provide opportunities to chat and just watch her little mind work. I do my best to say a lot of yes all weekend and make the time all about her, and I hope that when she's older she will remember that and feel all the love I try to pour into these weekends. She will always be my favorite bun head.

He Loves Me in the Chaos

This week has been nuts. I think the week after vacation is always a bit of an adjustment, but this one has been a roller coaster.

The highs...Evan graduated to Camo Red belt:

 He is so excited! Issa also lost a molar and found out she doesn't have to go back to the orthodontist for a year. I took a group of students to a nearby retirement community to share their research last night, which was a great experience for all involved. These are all wonderful things.

The lows...well...this happened right as I had to leave last night:

It seems my desk drawer just decided to break. The only good thing about it is I found my big box of pushpins. Tuesday night, we also had a bloody knee, a bloody finger, and a bloody mouth after everyone had been tucked. I can't even.

On the way to school, Issa summed the week up by saying, "I think a line from Hamilton sums it up: 'Blood shed and chaos and screams of revolution!'" Then there's that.

In the midst of all of this, a package arrived for me. Brad had mentioned he had ordered me something on amazon. When I opened the box, I didn't expect to see this:

 He even had it wrapped:

 And then I found this:

I can't wait to read it! He had listened to the audio version and loved it, and he knows I still need to feel the pages. He sent me this copy. I will be forever grateful to be married to a man who loves me--quirks and all--and does little things to surprise me...especially in the midst of chaos.

Back in Time

We had what was quite possible the best family vacation ever for the last half of break. We set off Wednesday morning for Williamsburg! We took the little extra time to arrive via ferry:

  The kids absolutely loved it! I drove up so Brad could work, and that will be the first, last, and only time I drive a vehicle onto a ferry. They pack you in like sardines, and I like a bit more room to negotiate. But, the ride was beautiful!

We started our vacation in Jamestowne exploring the first permanent English colony:

 I love that it is truly a living museum. Nothing was off limits. The kids were not too sure about traveling to the New World as a passenger, but they thought they might be able to do it as officers based on the beds:

 The highlight there was definitely learning about the English soldiers that settled the fort. Issa tried on the armor:

 And we all loved watching the flintlock musket demo. We were so captivated we took no pictures, but we did spend nearly an hour listening to the soldier and learning so much!

Wednesday night, we ate dinner at one of the taverns. The kids loved the entertainment--especially the story teller. Brad loved hearing the doctor speak. The kids also discovered tavern root beer is amazing. Evan also decided he was over pictures:

 I did capture this moment:

 Because why not sleep with your musket?

Thursday and Friday we explored Williamsburg:

 We all loved every moment. We participated in the storming of the palace, and by the end we weren't sure whose side we were on anymore.

We also had lunch at the Cheese Shoppe, which is incredible. While I loved my sandwich, Issa fell in love with their pickles:

 The highlight for me was touring the capital:

 To think we were sitting where Jefferson and Henry and Washington stood was amazing.

We also got into a little trouble:

 The other highlight was watching the mustering of the militia:

It was the first time any of us had seen a cannon fired:

 We were continually impressed by the knowledge of the people everywhere we went! The kids spent a lot of time learning about trades and our history. Brad and I were challenged to think about history in a new way. We even had lunch at one more tavern!

We ended our day with one last visit at the Cheese Shoppe with tavern root beers:

It was truly a perfect trip, and we can't wait to go back!

Happy Easter!

I am slowly easing into reality. The kids had spring break last week, and for the first time I took it with them. This will now be tradition.

Spring Break started with Easter weekend. Although Aunt Shannon couldn't make it, she sent adorable Easter outfits:

 We actually wore them Saturday when we went to brunch.

Saturday afternoon, for the first time, Daddy participated in the egg decorating:

 I lost my mind and bought three kits: golden, marble, and neon. The results were beautiful, though:

 The kids left the bunny a snack:

 And he did not disappoint:

 For the first time, he hid different eggs for each child. Issa had sparkles and Evan had camo. All of the pictures of Evan hunting are a blur.

The highlight of the weekend was having Nana here, though. Friday morning, she and the kids were reading a Lego history book and discovered there was a Lego Ewok village. Next thing I know, it was being over-nighted to our house:

The kids had a blast building it with Nana. And as an aside, real glasses:

 They are just for reading, but Issa loves them!

We didn't quite finish before Nana had to leave on Monday, but the kids and I finished the village Tuesday:

 It is quite impressive!

I can honestly say this was the first Easter that we all stayed in our pjs all day--even Nana. We didn't do a traditional meal. Instead, we ate cheeses, fruit, bread, and asparagus. (I know the last one didn't fit but how do you say no when children are begging for roasted asparagus?) It was a perfect day of just being, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Happy Dr. Seuss Day!

Evan has been celebrating Dr. Seuss week this week. Each day has had a different theme, all of which have been very low key. Of course, pictures were not allowed.

Today, the whole school was invited to dress up as their favorite character for Dr. Seuss Day. Evan didn't want to be a character and instead went with the red and white theme suggested by the first grade. Issa, however, does not miss an opportunity to dress up, although she did tone it down this year:

She and Melanie decided to be Thing 1 and Thing 2. I made the shirts earlier this week so Issa could deliver Melanie's in time for the big day. They were so excited to look "exactly like identical twins" this morning. Oh, I love these girls.

Mama Fix It

When both kids were little, whenever anything went wrong I would hear, "Mama fix it." It wasn't a question; it was a statement made with great confidence. In their little eyes, I could fix anything.

I hear that less now--if ever. The problems are getting more complex, and they are both learning to fight their own battles, solve their own problems, fix it themselves. It's a good thing.

But...a few days ago Neela ate the eyes and nose off of one of Issa's teddy bears. The rest of the little guy was fine, but it was a sad day in our household. Issa was devastated. (In Neela's defense, he had fallen on the floor and looks a lot like one of her toys.)

Yesterday, I stopped by the craft store and bought a package of eyes and noses. Before Issa got home, I fixed her bear and just set him on the shelf for her to find. Her little face was priceless. And for one more moment, I could fix anything.

Another One in the Books

We have another dance competition in the books! Issa danced beautifully, and we just keep seeing growth every competition this year! Her little team took a first and second overall, and she took a fourth overall for her solo. The studio also got Top Studio for the third year at this competition, which is awesome!

These are the moments that I love, though:

I love watching her warm up and rehearse before she goes on. In these moments, I see how much she has grown.

I also love watching her be with her friends. I love hearing their giggles and watching them hug. I love listening to the squeals when they place, and I love knowing that she will hold on to these memories long after she packs up the trophies and medals.

Budding Thespians

We are very fortunate that the kids' school has a grant to bring artists in residence into each grade! In first grade, the focus is on performance. They do a six week series of classes that teach them the four Ps of performance (Plant your feet, Project, Move with Purpose, and Personality), see a play, and then they present a class performance. This week was the performance, and I'm so glad I was able to go:

Look at that smile. They were demonstrating some of their acting warm-ups. This is also the only semi-decent picture I got.

Here's what I loved: Evan was smiling the whole time. Last year, he looked miserable in his school performances. I have never seen a child gesture with less joy. This year, though, he was having fun. And I sure do love that smile.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Last night, just as we were getting ready to head for bed, Issa got a look of panic on her face: "We have to leave a snack in case the leprechauns come!"

 Evan later added a glass of water with four green straws.

Sure enough,  those ornery critters came overnight:

 Buddy left a very sweet note saying that the leprechauns brought all this sugar (those are rice krispie treats made with Lucky Charms), but he and Walter had brought the kids each a new green shirt and cleaned up the mess. He also asked the kids to be sure Daddy didn't set any traps for them! (Please notice Buddy's green necktie and Walter's bow.)

The leprechauns even ate all the snack:

Please notice that they apparently have green backwash. Poor Evan was no more good over that  one.

Tonight, we will have corn beef and Irish soda bread and celebrate all of the good luck of the Irish we have. After all, our little family started 15 years ago today when Daddy asked me to marry him.

I'm Swearing Off WebMD

I'm swearing off WebMD. I've said it before, but I really mean it this time.

Since January, Issa has had some sick days. She would throw up once and then be fine. It was bizarre. When it first hit, we thought she had the stomach bug that was going around. In February, we thought she was super unlucky. When it came back two weeks ago, I called our doctor and we thought it was a super-fun three month virus that was hanging around and flaring when she got overtired. Every episode had been after a dance competition or slumber party. Since that diagnosis, though, I have the been the bedtime dictator.

When she threw up again yesterday morning, I knew it couldn't be that virus. WebMD convinced me it was either a serious gastric issue or cancer. I called our doctors and insisted they see her yesterday; we were in at 9:15 with a doctor who specializes in adolescents and I'm sure he now thinks I'm crazy. Of course, by the time we got there she looked and felt great. She had thrown up, and I had given her Motrin to help with her general achy feeling, which I attributed to her tiny body throwing up. We had a routine.

He asked about her symptoms, and then asked if she had headaches, which she said she did, which was news to me. Apparently they didn't bother her as much as her stomach so she just didn't tell me. He did some examining and asked a few more questions, and then diagnosed her with migraines. My response, "Oh, thank God." He looked perplexed until I explained our family history. I know migraines. We've got this.

That's also when I realized I already knew her trigger. Nitrates. Just like me. Because you know what you eat at dance competitions and slumber parties: lunch meat sandwiches, pizza, and bacon. All loaded with nitrates.

Issa and I went to too many stores to find B2, which should also help stave off the migraines. And we spent the rest of the day talking about what this means and what's now a very special treat.

This morning, I met with the school nurse to brief her. If Issa starts to get a headache at school, she will give her Motrin. We have plans if she starts to feel lousy there. And she let me cry when she said Issa was now officially on her caseload.

I hate that my baby has to be on a nurse's caseload. But I am so overwhelmingly grateful that if we have to be on a caseload it's just for migraines. We've got this.

Spring!

We are fully into spring! My hyacinths are blooming, and the kids have worn shorts to school the past two days. The windows are opening, and I listened to birds outside the bedroom window this morning. It was lovely.

My favorite moment yesterday, though, was homework time. The day was too nice to stay inside, so the kids and I headed out front to do homework. Evan and I sat on the porch, and Issa actually did her reading perched up in the tree. Pure loveliness.

Zoo Days

It's spring break on campus, which means my schedule is wonky. I'm definitely still working, but my days are filled with student teacher observations and data analysis on my couch. All that said, the disruption in the routine has meant the blog has been ignored. This is especially sad because we had a great weekend!

For the first time in ages and the foreseeable future, we had no plans. Saturday, Brad and I totally surprised the kids and too them to see Zootopia.  It really was a cute movie! We came home and had the first burgers and corn on the grill for this season. It was lovely.

Sunday, we decided to continue the theme and went to the zoo:

 We've never gone this early in the season, but the weather was perfect. It was in the upper 50s with beautiful sunshine. The animals seemed to love this weather, and we had the best timing at every exhibit. Our first stop was the polar bears:

 A new bear just joined the zoo, and we were able to see the two bears play together. All of the bears were very active!

Issa also stole my phone to become photographer since the animals were feeling cooperative. The bison was maybe eight feet away from us:

 And we watched one of the adult gorillas teach a little guy how to dig up bugs:

It was a perfect day!

Thank Goodness for Big Kids

Yesterday poor Issa was home sick. She seems to be fighting a virus that is just hanging in and rears it's ugly head when she gets over-tired. According to our doctor, we could have one more month of this. Lovely.

This morning, Issa came in while  I was still sleeping and said, "I have good news and bad news. The good news is I feel great and can go to school. The bad news is your alarm didn't go off and it's 6:20."

Yes. That is good and bad news. Thankfully, I have big kids.

I jumped in the shower, and they both hopped out of bed and jumped into action. Issa made breakfast: cereal and chai tea.We made it to school on time and happy--even with field trip lunches packed.

Throwback Thursday

Here's a little throwback to last Thursday:

 It was career day at school!

Issa went for the second year in a row as an event planner:

Until Tuesday, Evan was refusing to dress up because he didn't know what he wanted to be when he grew up--totally fair. At dinner, he was saying he was torn between scientist and police officer. When I explained forensic scientist, he was thrilled:

I truly cannot wait to see what these little people grow up to be!

Moments of Magic

This week, I finally packed up all of the snowmen. They have been banished until next year; I think we are all ready for spring. 

With the snowmen safely packed away, I let the bunnies out of the attic and into the house. We now have bright baskets, eggs, and bunnies everywhere. I finished while the kids were showering and doing the nightly getting ready ritual. Then I stood back and watched magic.

The kids started exploring the treasures in their Easter bags, remembering which year the Bunny brought each toy. They came downstairs and loved on stuffed rabbits and talked about hiding eggs for practice rounds. For a few moments, they were little and there was magic everywhere.

It seems like the kids are growing so quickly. Everyday they look less little. I'm seeing the man and woman they will be more and more. I'm so proud, but I'm also grateful for those moments of magic.

This morning, we had a roller coaster. Evan woke up to discover he had two new fish in his tank. These are the most prolific fish we have ever had. It's crazy.

Two minutes later, Issa discovered Neela had chewed the nose off one of her bears. Not good. I can fix it, but she was devastated and so angry with the poor dog.

Then the kids came downstairs to discover Buddy made a visit:

Magic. Here's to many more moments of magic on this roller coaster.

Cozy

I have started making time to read at night again. I used to push through the to do list, the book would sit on the nightstand--a cruel joke. Life is too short.

Whatever isn't finished by 9:30 can wait. My days start at 5:30; my days now end at 10:30. At 9:30, I snuggle in with my book. It's cozy. Frosty and Neela like this new development:

I'm learning. Finally. To take care of myself. To seek joy. To recharge. When I do, everything else seems to fall into place.