Marci's Village

13

Yesterday our boy turned 13. While he was at school, I went to the bank to open a savings account for him. The goal is for him to take the initiative to save some money and keep track of it for the next few years. As I sat at the bank, I thought about how these last thirteen years have flown by, and how much living we have put into them. He has made this period of time the most special for all of us. His strong personality, his ability to forgive easily, his curiosity about the world and people and, most of all, his sense of humor.

I am honored to be your mom, boy. You have your own way to do things, and sometimes they do not agree with mine or your dad's. Maybe that is the main lesson to be learn in parenting: that children are not a carbon copy of their parents, and despite all differences we love them completely. It is not easy to remember how much we probably drove our parents nuts when we were teenagers, but one thing I remember without a doubt -- I was not as fun-loving and happy as you are!

Happy Birthday, son! We love you! Now... go clean your room and do your homework!!

 

Back in June - Swim team

I would not want our Summer back, mainly because by the end of September we are all exhausted from the heat. Still, I just love looking at these pictures and thinking of how much fun we all had.

The boy concentrating hard

Do you all think he has grown (like, a lot!) this past year?

Yikes!

Playing cards.. summer and now

 

Back in the Summer the kids entertained themselves for quite a few hours playing cards. I don't particularly enjoy playing card games, or most games, so sometimes I forget to encourage them to play.

Yesterday a friend of Phillip's stayed over and taught them a trick with cards. They can't wait to use their magic skills on other family and friends.

Life is so simple sometimes.

Back in June and Update

I am still blogging. I have NOT given up. Still hoping that the kids can look back at these stories some day and feel loved.

I was looking back at our pictures this morning and trying to decide where to start. I found this picture taken at the beginning of the Summer:

Maya in a boot, her heel still fractured and hurting. A friend slept over and they played inside the house the whole time, no trampoline, no gymnastics.

Fast forward to September. Maya is back to doing almost all her skills. She walks normally without limping. She can play and run. My priorities have changed from having a child who is a successful gymnast to having a child who can simply walk on two feet. Period.

She never left the gym. She kept going and doing what she could, mostly conditioning and bars (strapped for security since she was not allowed to dismount). The girl has learned to persevere and to be patient, very patient. Her mother too.

More later.

"First" day of school 2015

Or eighth.... who is counting?

Love these two!

Because Now is Now

Summer break is over and we lived it fully. I have some recap to do, but not tonight.

For now I just want to savor a bit of today:

- Unexpected day off from work

- Maya and I in the kitchen making Grandma's meatloaf - basic and delicious!

- Maya's nails in navy blue... and we did it ourselves!

- Dinner as a family - so rare these days...

- Phillip excited about a school year. New beginnings and the expectation that this school year will be a great one!

- Swimming for about an hour in the evening with friends.

- Almost done reading my book for book club.

- Happy and very affectionate kids, excited about tomorrow.

- Kids helping prepare their own lunches and snacks for tomorrow.

- The realization that we did not do all that we had planned, but in a way enjoyed our experiences more than anything we've done in the past.

I am so grateful for this time in our lives.

Dinner and cake

Some friends came over for dinner, playing in the trampoline with water, and hanging out. They brought delicious neapolitan ice cream cake for a quick celebration.

The girls painted Happy Birthday canvases.

Why don't we do this more often? Not the birthday party.... just the friends and good food!!

A happy birthday, indeed.

 

The day started with breakfast cooked by the boy (blueberry pancakes, bacon, and a lemon bar) and kids who promised to be in their best behavior all day. I laughed of their reminders to each other, such as "it's her birthday! Stop arguing!" in hushed tones. Sweet kids...

Almost a repeat picture, but I love this one too.

The boy is taller than me now and VERY proud of it!

The husband was very sweet and surprised me with a zoom lens for the camera. Exactly what I needed. The kids put some effort and money together to get me "All the Light We Cannot See", my next book club read.

And, many of my dear friends and other family showered me with sweet birthday wishes.

I am a happy and blessed woman!

Summer days

Playing a card game or two...

Sitting on the kitchen counter as the light hit their faces just right...

Baking lemon bars for my birthday. She does not care for them but still helps me bake them.

And, not photographed here: lazy morning reading and drinking my coffee leisurely, physical therapy twice a week for Maya, grocery shopping almost every day (the boy eats more than the rest of the family combined), Maya "skyping" with friends in a British accent (oh...ten year-olds!).  

Summer has been good to us.

Swim Team...

...is still the happy in our Summer!