AMDG

Kindergarten

Guess which one is learning to read?

More retroactive blogging....and a few more shows under out belts

December is a whirlwind.  I know, it's cliche.  But really, do I get any extra points for having 5 family birthdays in December as well as ballets, Christmas concerts and multiple flute playing venues for the flautist in the family.  Anyway, I just wanted to give my Sophie her place in the limelight.....  

Sophie was Dorothy in our local community theatre's Wizard of Oz, and this was her last hurrah in the youth theatre program there.  She most assuredly has the Theatre bug and I've no doubt we will be participating in more shows in the future, just not as  a child.  I can hardly believe how grown up she is.  She's so lovely, and I'm so proud, and I'll shut up and let the pictures be more eloquent than I...

This is Sophie at her band's Christmas concert...first flute. 

how Sophie was born and her mom grew up...

14 years ago, Dec. 5th.  It both feels like it was just yesterday, and in another lifetime.  Parenting teaches me more and more and with more surety and with a truer ring than anything in my life experience that life is so full of flipsides and contradiction.  Nothing is black and white, and clean cut they way we like it.  

Who knew 20 years ago or even 15 that I would be the mother of 5 fine children and married to the man I wanted to be married to? Not I.  

When I look back at the 14 years you've been a part of my life, Sophie dear one, my eyes fill and I can't
keep the tears from spilling.  My heart is so full.  You are so full of promise.  I am so proud I can't stand it.  God bless you my dear one.

Phew!

One show down, and one to go.  Bridie and Nora and I had so much fun at the Nutcracker this year.  It's such a whirlwind of crazy-busy, but I wouldn't trade the memories for the world.  Thanks my beautiful girlies. 

 

Dirty Dishes and why I can't get enough of them

One of her favorite things to do, is to jump into a pile of suds in the kitchen sink for a bath, and call herself a dirty dish.  She's asked me 2 times in as many days to be a dirty dish.  The second time, and maybe the the first if I'm honest, I sighed a little sigh before I said okay. So many things to do.  I stopped myself, though.  So trite, so bittersweet....they grow up so fast.  This child is a charmer.  My goodness, I wish I had 10 of her.  Please stay little, my sweet dirty dish, and don't grow any bigger than the kitchen sink, not just yet.

Apple Picking

The whole gang recently went apple picking...and met some homeschooling friends.  We've been busy finding ways to use up the appley goodness...apple butter, applesauce.  I think tomorrow we'll try our hands at applesauce muffins...

Trampoline Love

Thanks Sean Bhean!

The partially-toothed smile says it all....

 

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, visit Soulemama to leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

More Retroactive Blogging....princesses and ballerinas

How can she be four? She's fiercely independent, and completely bent on big-girlness. Who'd stand in the way of such sublime girly cuteness. Not I....Bridie's first week of princess ballerina camp.....

 

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Jack is 6

May goes by in a whirlwind....baseball, recitals, First Holy Communions, and new babies.  There's hardly time to slow down and savor.  Here's some more of my retroactive blogging.  My youngest little man turned 6 this month.  Isn't he handsome?