Singing a tune, Ian is 12!

My first born is now officially 12.  It's crazy to think we've kept a kid alive for 12 years. I remember bringing him home from the hospital like it was yesterday.  Next thing you know, they become 12 years old.

Right now, Ian feels like the whole world has a cell phone but him.  EVERY single friend and classmate is mobiley connected but Ian.  Ha!  I don't think its quite that bad, but yes, it seems like this is the year kids have gotten phones.  Jeff and I aren't quite ready yet for Ian to join his peers.  We've had an extra 'spare' phone that we let Ian use from time to time if we need to stay in touch with him.  But as Ian is very aware this is not HIS cell phone.  We are about to enter uncharted territory as Ian is getting a phone as a graduation present from Jeff and me at the end of June.  This is a big time in his life as Ian finishes 6th grade and starts middle school next Fall.  We don't normally see Ian anxious, but the idea of middle school has him concerned.  I know he will do go great.  He is so friendly, outgoing and engaging.  I have no doubt in my mind that Ian will find his niche in middle school and have a great experience.

Besides the transition to middle school, Ian will be in full Bar Mitzvah training and preparation mode this coming year.  It's going to be a big year for him as he heads to 13.  

Ian continued to explore his love of acting and performing by participating in a theatre group on Saturdays.  From 9:00am to 1:00pm every Saturday the kids worked on a play.  It's really cool to see Ian's enthusiasm in learning his lines, the songs, the choreography and getting to the end result of performing in front of an audience.  Ian is thrilled he has a part that gives him 21 lines for the Spring production of Mulan, Jr.

Ian also continued with his Boys on the Trail running program through his school.  It met twice a week and is designed to get the kids to run a 5k.  He enjoyed it very much and I love that it gets him outside for fresh air and exercise.

Unfortunately his musical instrument of choice the saxophone has not brought Ian as much joy this year as it had last year.  Ian is pretty much counting down until the school year is over and he doesn't have to play it ever again.  It's a bit disappointing because its fun to listen to him practice, but it's been a long time since I've heard him play. 

Most days Ian sings to himself a wide variety of Broadway musical soundtracks.  He sings just loud enough that we all can hear it and the song gets stuck in our head.  I am certain that Ian doesn't even realize he is singing and it's done unconsciously.  Of course, Sam has major issues with this and yells all the time "STOP IAN!!  IT'S ANNOYING.  I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT ANYMORE".

Ian kept an open mind and looked beyond his fear of heights to tackle zip lining, a ropes obstacle course among the tree tops, and indoor sky diving.  I am so proud of him that he did not let fear get in his way of trying something new.  It paid off as he had a blast and would now do all of these activities again and again and again. 

Ian is more connected than ever to his relatives and can't get enough of them.  He really wanted to go down to Orlando and see everyone.  Ian decided he'd be ok to fly down on his own, as an unaccompanied minor.  It was a dream come true that he got all this one-on-one time with his grandparents, aunts, uncle and cousin.  We may just have to do this again next year.

I wish for Ian a year of much happiness and the ability for him to do his own thing, not because everyone around him is doing it.  May he make good choices and enjoy this time being 12.  Daddy and I love you so very much.

The return of braces!

Samantha is 9! How fine!

My little girl is growing up. Samantha is independent, spunkier than ever, spirited, and funny.  Samantha keeps us on our toes. She can be warm and loving one minute, and yelling and demanding the next.  Fortunately it's only with her parents and brother that we see the more challenging side of Sam.  To everyone else she is charming, agreeable and happy.  Her 3rd grade teacher absolutely loves her and can't stop telling me how funny she is.

If Samantha wants to do something, she will give it her all; whether it be a project for school, getting dressed for an outing, or reading a book she is interested in. Samantha will surprise us and show us what she is truly capable of.  However, if Samantha has no desire to do something, there is no amount of motivation or encouragement you can give her to get it done. It's like pulling teeth and the task will be met with much strife.  We realized this school year the best way to tackle a big project is to break it into little manageable pieces.  It keeps Sam from getting overwhelmed and hopefully the meltdowns at bay.

Jeff is excellent at keeping us in check when it seems like I've gotten carried away with scheduling and wanting to do it all.  He is able to reign me in and thus, potential future meltdowns are at a minimum.  I truly feel we've gotten a better handle on how much Sam can manage and what may put her over the edge.  Actually, let me correct that last statement.  Jeff has a better handle.  I am still a work in progress.  A really great example of this in action is when we had the opportunity to schedule two Broadway musicals in the same day for an upcoming trip to New York.  I felt if we made sure to have a nap or some major downtime in between the two shows we could do it all and not have to chose. "Go BIG or go home" is my motto in NY -- well, pretty much anywhere. :)   Jeff, however, was the voice of reason and said this was going to be difficult for Sam to sit thru and be well behaved -- which is key among an audience of theatre-goers especially when paying those high ticket prices.  Overall, this has been a good year for setting Sam up for success and not failure.  Plus, having Lucy has been a big blessing in keeping her emotional outbursts less of an explosion. 

This past year Samantha decided to continue her horseback riding lessons.  It's truly awesome to see her shine and see all her 'moods' disappear as she rides.  The confidence, self-esteem and the skills she is learning to control her horse is priceless.  Sam also participated in Girls Run for Fun through her school's extracurricular program in the Fall and again in the Spring.  It's a great activity that meets twice a week and gets the girls to be able to run a 5k.  Additionally Sam ran in the Cherry Blossom Kid's fun run at the beginning of April.  I am so proud of her for wanting to do this.

Samantha is going away to camp for entire month this Summer and can't wait to get going.  Unlike her brother the amount of time she will be gone is not too long and she doesn't need me to write her daily or send packages in the mail.  Sam's got this and it's one step closer to her living on her own. :)

There is one area that I feel Samantha would do amazing in and really excel...acting!   If Samantha entered the theatre program Ian is in, I have no doubt she would become a star.  Let her put all that drama she has in her to good use. Unfortunately, I've had no luck convincing her to give acting a try.

A few weeks ago I took Sam by herself down to Orlando with me for my sister's baby shower.  We had a great time and I loved traveling with her.  From Thursday afternoon to Monday afternoon, I had a very loveable, happy go-lucky Samantha and it was delightful.   It was the best and I wish all our days could be like this.

I wish for Samantha a very happy birthday and a fantastic 9th year.  May her reasons to smile outnumber her reasons to yell.  May her days be filled with sunny skies and an endless number of cute outfits to wear, where the decision on what to wear doesn't involve me. Daddy and I love you so very much! 

First day of third grade!

Sam started her eighth year getting her ears pierced! 

Virginia Beach with Lucy

When we rescued Lucy from the shelter at the end of September, we decided to make her an Emotional Support Therapy dog.  We have a wonderful letter from Samantha's therapist convincing anyone reading it why it is necessary for Lucy to be with us.  We also have seen first hand the wonderful effect Lucy has on Samantha and do believe she does a great job taming Sam's emotional outbursts.

During Spring Break we decided to do a quick overnight trip to Virginia Beach and bring Lucy with us.  Why not?  There is a first for everything. 

Having Lucy with us for the trip was going to be either a disaster or amazing.  There was no middle ground.  We were exposing Lucy to so many things where typically a dog is not expected and we had no idea how she was going to react.  I truly believed that Lucy would be an absolute angel if she had the ability to be with us wherever we went. This was put to the test and then some.  We took Lucy to a hotel, multiple restaurants, the beach, a dolphin watching boat tour, and generally walking around and in the shops.  I can't forget to mention we even attempted a surrey ride with Lucy riding in the basket up front. Additionally, she endured the car ride on back to back days, with the drive back home a full 2 hours longer than it should be because of traffic.

I am delighted to report that Lucy was PHENOMENAL!  She was so well behaved and acted like she has always been a service dog. Even Jeff found himself praising Lucy for her stellar behavior and said she was the best behaved all of us.  It was hard to not complain on the drive back when we were sitting in major traffic.  And it was hard to not complain when we were rocking back and forth big-time on that 90 minute boat ride.  Did we hear any complaints from Lucy on either of these?  Nope!  Not a single peep.  She went along for the ride and was happy to be included on the fun.

Lucy got lots of compliments from those who saw her in action.  Everyone asked if it was ok to pet her.  Of course!  She loves people.  She brought a smile to many at all the places we went.   One gentleman looked at her and said, "Thank you for your service."   :)

Our family felt complete with all of us together.  It was our first time visiting Virginia Beach and it is nice to know we can return. 

She is posing for the camera!

Look at her smile!! 

Hanging at the restaurant during lunch.

Watching the sunrise!

Teary-eyed.

I am not sure what has happened to me, but I get very emotional now over the littlest things.  Maybe the pregnancies messed with my hormones and they never recovered, maybe I just find myself being moved by something really touching.  I don't know.  I've just accepted it and gotten on with my life.  I'm not really surprised much anymore when my eyes start to water.

Lately it's been happening when I witness a truly fantastic performance.  Something so awesome that the talent is just oozing from the performer and its hanging in the air around me.  This is even more so the case when its a live production.  Seeing "Kinky Boots" for the first time in London last year...that performance by Simon at the end of the show was nothing short of spectacular.  I couldn't help but tear up listening to him belt out that huge number.  It was a show-stopper!

Watching the movie "Hidden Figures" is another example, only this wasn't live but viewed in the movie theatre.  Both times I saw the movie, I was moved to tears by the story (especially because it was true!) and of course the acting.  What an amazing movie.  I loved every single minute and I was sad when the movie ended.  I could still be sitting there watching these women, wanting more. 

The last time I got emotional over something fantastic was going to see "Chicago" at the Kennedy Center.  Ian and I went to a Saturday matinee earlier in the month.  I had seen the show years ago when it was at the National Theatre.  But it was Brandy's phenomenal performance that moved me to tears this time around.  I had no idea she was that talented.  Wow. This girl IS Roxy Hart!  Actually the whole production was top-notch.  Everyone did a stellar job.

Of course, just sitting in the theatre in these amazing seats (6 rows from the stage, dead center in the  middle of the row!) waiting for the show to begin had me tearing up. Getting to experience this with Ian after all the times we listened to the soundtrack in the car, knowing how much he was going to enjoy the show and fully appreciate seeing a production live like I do made me get emotional.  I love my kids so much and getting to do things like this is what life is all about.  These are the moments I hope he looks back on and realizes how special it was for us to be there.   Oh no, here I go again, tissue anyone?

30,000

I feel like we just drove the car home from the dealer yesterday. 30,000 miles later and I still get a thrill getting in my car.  I love my car. While it doesn't have the 3rd row I desperately wanted, it is perfect for our family of 4 plus Lucy.

The car is not even 2 years old yet!  Pretty soon we will pass Jeff's car's mileage. His car is a 2013 and has 45,000 miles on it.  At the rate we are going, this could occur in the next two years.

It's a good thing this is a Honda.  I know it will be chugging along for a very long time.  Most likely this will be Ian's car he drives when he gets old enough.  Yowzer!  I can't believe we are even thinking in terms like this.  Ian driving?   Actually, given the way Ian is, I think he is going to be a very safe driver.  Sam, on the other hand, we may want to brace ourselves for. 

RSVPs

I am co-hosting a baby sprinkle for my sister, Lori.  It's this Saturday in Orlando.  The planning and prep work is pretty much done and I am now just waiting to fly down with Samantha for a long weekend at home.  It will be nice to go away for a few days and be with the family.

The shower invites went in the mail close to 6 weeks ago.  I put my phone number on the printed invitation and waited for Lori's friends we invited to call me.  And waited and waited and waited. Only one person called to let me know if they were coming.  Only one! 

After a bit investigative work, I come to find out everyone thought the phone number I put on the invite was my cell phone and it would accept text messages.  So yeah, the women were texting their rvps to me.  WHAT????   It never occurred to me that this would happen. That these women would automatically assume I was looking for a text rsvp.  Is this what our life has become in the digital age we live in?  I guess I am in another generation.  Don't get me wrong, in my day to day I text A LOT!  I have a group of friends I text all the time with.  However, I would never think to text a response to a printed invitation to someone I don't know.  I just wouldn't. It doesn't seem very proper.  Has Emily Post even covered this??

Here's the thing I don't get...fine, these women tried to text their rsvp to my home phone.  BUT, each text attempt would have come back as undeliverable and given an error message.  Why then did they not try to call the phone number as their next course of action???   I'll tell you why, because they thought the phone number had a typo on the invitation and that's why it didn't work.  OMG!! 

After tracking down email addresses for each of the 18 people I needed to hear from, my sister tells me that no one has a landline anymore.  We are both very old school that we still do. And that we still use it.   Lori found the whole thing quite humorous.  I'm not at that point yet where I can laugh about it.

Time for a little rant

There have been a few things bugging me lately. I just can't keep silent any more.

Online articles where the info is not conveniently located on the first page.  You know what I'm talking about...you see a great headline, like "The 10 things you never knew about Tom Cruise and Katie Holme's relationship" or "Chrissy Metz loses weight!  See what she looks like now!"  or "Child actors, where are they today?" and countless others of tempting pieces of breaking news.  You want to click thru to see this awesome story.  So you take the bait and click the link.  You leave the comfort of your Facebook newsfeed and soon enter Internet HELL! 

*They* (for lack of better of name calling which most likely wouldn't be lady-like) give you one little tidbit of information, teasing you to read on, and the next thing you know you have to click "Next" to get more.  The page is riddled with ads; big, huge square boxes of advertisements, for everything under the sun that you will never, ever need.  A full 20 clicks later and along with waiting for every single one of those pages to load, you are now officially done with the article.  And you know what?  Those 10 relationship reveals weren't that great...noooooo, they were pretty lame.  And the weight loss Chrissy Metz is celebrating wasn't that spectacular either.  By the time you get to the picture at the end of all those clicks, I am sure me and her have each gained 20 pounds.  That was a good 20 minutes I will never get back.

I am hereby declaring I am done. DONE!  If I click thru the article and it isn't all conveniently located on the first page, I am not taking the bait.  I am not clicking "Next" even if my life depended on it.  I have had enough.  No matter how juicy the headline is or how much I want to see what these child actors look like today, it isn't going to happen.  Maybe if more people take a stand and refuse to click "Next", the click-thru rates will drop and the format of trying to get our attention with all these annoying ads over multiple pages will change.  I realize this wouldn't happen overnight, but maybe, just maybe, we can make change happen.