Tuesday

1.24.2009

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I laid on the couch, Maddie in the crook of my arm, watching the historic moment. I listened to the speeches and singing, the poetry and the oath. Her breath slowed, and her fingers found the comforting lock of her hair. I gently brushed a kiss on her head and squeezed a bit tighter. She was soon fast asleep, safe and warm next to her mama. The troubles of the greater world are lost on her at 4 years old; the excitement of the day was found in the inauguration cupcake, not in the swearing in of President Obama.
One day she will sit in class and learn about this moment. Maybe she'll ask if I remember. One day her children will learn about this moment and ask me if I remember. I'll tell them that I remember laying on the couch and holding close in my arms the future of this great country and watching what happens when the American people fight for change. From Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King to all of the unknown faces that fought for equality.
Earlier I had talked with Annie about the importance of this moment. She heard the words that people were often denied based on the color of their skin, but she could not understand. She sees herself with dark skin, her sister with light skin, cousins of every different color and still they are all family and all equal. She understood it was an important moment but finished are conversation with this insight.....
"if we are all equal than why hasn't a girl ever been president?"
Soon baby soon.

A shopping we will go and a download.....

1.14.2009

I have been wanting to make a little shopping list for the girls for some time. Something they could take with when we go to the store so they have something to do. Yesterday at Target I found the perfect little magnetic dry-erase boards in the $1 section and the idea finally came together.

I drew up a little list of basics that we always shop for. Printed it out onto sticker paper and attached to a magnet sheet. I tried to print right onto the magnet sheet but it wouldn't go through my printer. I then cut them all out and trimmed them down-they seemed to stick better this way. Maddie went right to making a list and setting up a nice little grocery store in the kitchen. I thought that you all might enjoy a copy so I made a little download for you. Let me know if you give it a try.

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Here is a bit of the fun we had. I love that they can use the dry-erase to write down how many of each item.

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She's making a list

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Setting up shop

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Checking Out

More Snow

1.11.2009

We had 4 of my nieces here for the weekend. It was a bit crazy with 6 girls 12 and under but they are so good and my girls were in heaven. Somehow we scraped together enough pairs of mittens and snow pants and boots to send them out for some snowy fun.
(Dan was the one who really held down the fort as I had to work both nights. Such a good uncle.)

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Watch out for that tree....That would be Madison sledding right into the tree-she was fine.

Just Don't Roar.

1.07.2009

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Each color was chosen with care. Each line placed just so. To you, to me, she was a little girl painting her face. To her she was a little girl transforming into a cheetah.

The transformation complete, we wandered into the animal hospital. She held my hand and asked with great concern, "Do you think I will scare anybody?"
"Just don't roar" I responded with just as much seriousness.

If only transforming was so still so easy.

After school.

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She comes home from school, says hello, heads to the refridgerator and looks for an apple. When it is found ...onto the sofa, a bit of tv and down time. The socks are tossed at the door, the sun has started to fade, it is dark and warm and quiet. I watch her and I know exactly what she is feeling because I was once the exact same little girl, tired from school, the sun fading, an apple, the tv and a soft sofa.

I know she is happy.

Last Night

1.06.2009

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I laid on the couch and read. Maddie happily glued beads, buttons and rocks to her piece of styrofoam that was soon becoming Hawaii. Each new addition was presented to me and explained, I marveled. Dan and Annie played checkers by the dim light because Daddy "can't see anymore." There were tears over checkers (poor Annie) and beads all over the carpet but it was peaceful and lovely and we were all together.

On the mend...

1.04.2009


I had a little procedure done to remove a pain in my wrist. I've been taking it easy and doing lots of napping and a bit of reading (this and this). Not a bad way to spend a weekend. The girls have been playing nurse and doctor and quite concerned. Dan is sweet as always.

Happy New Year to everyone.