Lowering the blade

Two days ago I mowed our yard and it looks like in two days more I'll need to mow again.   Tonight after dinner as I looked into our backyard I said aloud but to no one in particular-

 "Looks like I'm going to need to lower the blade"

Emma responded- " Really mom?  You could just say you need to mow, you don't need to try to be poetic about it"

Oh, I laughed so hard I choked.   This is life with a tween.  If they weren't so funny you'd lose your mind.  But amongst the aggravation there is so much laughter and goodness and it makes a person remember what they like about the world.

And one of the things I really like about the world is summer.  It's been it's normal slightly rocky start but it's just getting better from here, I'm pretty sure just about all of the grumpies have been worked out of our systems!

Almost Summer!

The weather might be calling for hot tea and sweatshirts but the calendar says May and that means we're almost ready for lemonade and swimsuits.  Summer vacation is nearly here!

Our countdown to summer chain only has 8 links left.  Just 7 more mornings of waking up to rush out the door, 21 more lunches to pack, 6 more nights of homework!  I'm feeling giddy just writing that down!  Glorious summer awaits!  The freedom and pace that summer affords seems like sweet slow music to my over scheduled soul. The weeks between Spring Break and the end of the school year are packed.   But June!  Oh, June.  Slow and quiet and full of undiscovered adventure.  The thought of June has gotten me up and on to the next commitment more than once over the last few weeks.

Spring Break and other wonderful things (including turning 40)!

The sun is shining, we all slept well last night and Monday didn't seem so bad after all.  It's hard to return to "normal" after not being normal for awhile, even when normal is pretty great!

Spring Break "16 was a success.  

 We flew out of St. Louis early on St. Patrick's Day and spent a great day with Aunt Mary Ann and Dave.  

The next day was my 40th birthday!  I felt well celebrated the whole day through!  I am really blessed by wonderful family and friends who know exactly how to show me I am loved.  

And part of making me feel loved meant eating pizza for dinner. IN THE MOUNTAINS!  Hernando's  in Winter Park is a winner!

We spent the rest of the week doing awesome things like skiing, ice skating, having snow ball fights, playing Clue, reading, tubing and  being together.  

 There was a blizzard (literally) on our next to last day in Colorado.  It made for an exciting last day.   I was so proud of our girls and what outstanding travelers they were.  It also made me really grateful for Kevin and my dad and Kyra.  We make a really awesome team!!  We had a pretty nerve wracking (but BEAUTIFUl! ) drive to the Denver airport, and had to "sleep" in the Enterprise Car Rental office but we made or 5:30AM flight.  What a great trip!

Voting

We are so lucky to live in a country in which we are able to vote.  I've never understood why people who have this privilege don't.  This morning, after Lucy and I walked Eleanor to school, I cast my vote in the primary election.  It was a perfect, sunny morning and our neighborhood seemed particularly beautiful and friendly.

I voted for Bernie.  Not because I thought he'd win but because that was my conscience. I'm a fan of Bernie, not so much of Hilary but I'll certainly support her for President.  But today, that wasn't my choice.  Today I felt the Bern!

Right here

Nearly a month and nary a post.  I've some catching up to do.  A lot of great tales to tell and memories to keep.  But for now I'll just post this

#faithful

Lucy and I played on the kindergarten playground yesterday while Eleanor did a practice presentation run for the science fair.  This was our first visit to the playground in forever.   I haven't signed Lucy up yet for kindergarten (registration began February 1) and I generally avoid talking about it.  We still have a solid 5 months and I'm not going to rush things.  Sure, I need to register her.  Yes, there will be pre-kindergarten get togethers and lots of excitement as the day grows nearer and nearer.  And I will be joy filled and just as excited as anyone else.  But not quiet yet.  Right now, I'll just enjoy these lingering days when she's all ours and trust that when the day comes my heart will be ready.  I am faithful in my belief that when we give ourselves the time we need, we're ready for our next big steps.

#llook

Daddy Daughter Dance 2012...Lucy was not invited

Tonight Lucy and Kevin are off to the Daddy Daughter Dance.  

#look

I can't wait to hear about all the fun!  When I look at those two my heart just swells. 

 Lucy is just beyond excited about the weekend.  Today we saw Kung Fu Panda 3, tomorrow and Sunday she has birthday parties to attend and Valentine's Day!  5 year old perfection!  

#voice

  I'd forgotten how powerful it can be to have one seemingly insignificant word rolling around in your head all day.  

Voice

Today I 

  wondered about what we think we when see the school bus labeled "School District of Clayton" and the school bus labeled "Normandy School District".  

Voice

 felt inspired by D. who even though I'd brought cupcakes and a craft, said, "won't you first read MY book".  For Christmas I gave him a book.  He brings it every time we meet and asks me to read it.  He's beginning to be able to read it on his own.  Today we made a label on the inside cover that read 

Property of: D.

Voice

listened to Emma explain why she chose one particular cause at her school over two other important causes.  The students are voting to give support to one agency.  She had strong, carefully thought out ideas.

Voice

was really touched by a story Eleanor  recounted about two boys in her class who made sure she was ok when a friend hurt her feelings.

Voice

chuckled when Lucy explained that she attended a pep rally at the high school and it was really loud.  I asked, what was the pep rally for and she responded "Love and Valentines, I guess".

Voice

#voice

Playing cards with your sister on a cold winter afternoon.   Building our voices one day at a time!