10 Years Old

Ten years ago today, I first laid eyes on my magnificent baby girl. I had no idea then what the journey would be like, and while it's been a wild ride, it's been one of the greatest gifts I've ever known. I knew you'd grow up, and I knew I'd lover you no matter what.  But that hasn't made watching you grow into your own unique, creative, strong-willed, and compassionate self.  

Sometimes, I get a little worried because you remind me too much of myself.  Like the times when I get texts from the nanny asking if you can organize your room while she and your brothers go to the park. In all seriousness though, I love that you like to organize things, and someday I look forward to bonding over your need for organization when you move into your first apartment, buy a house, and so on. Other times, I see so much of your dad there.  Particularly when I find pictures like this one buried in the pictures on my phone.  

Or this one.

In addition to being such a loveable goofball, you're starting to embrace your inner nerdiness.  You've really gained a keen interest in space and astronauts over this past year, as well as an interest in Marvel movies...particularly Captain Marvel.  For the first time, you're setting your sights on being an engineer when you grow up (even over an art teacher and dancer).  You're also starting to enjoy reading more, including reading your Bible every night. I am so proud to see you embrace the things you enjoy, even if it isn't the same things all the other girls at school are interested in. 

You continue to be a crafter. Your willingness to try crafts, make messes, and just enjoy the process always amazes me, because it is something I have never been good at (which is why I think I am so bad at crafting in general). You also share your love of crafting in various ways.  You help your brothers with their crafts that they want to do. You make crafts for people when they need cheered up (like the crown you made me when I was sick). It is so wonderful that you're discovering this early in life how you can use the gifts God has given you to lift up and encourage the people around you. 

You've also gotten a lot more adventurous with food this year.  It's been a lot of fun to see you try, and often enjoy, things that a year ago we couldn't even get you to try without a lot of whining and sometimes even tears. Shrimp. stir fry, curry chicken dishes, and more are now among your favorite meals that you actually request. You've also start cooking a lot more.  You can bake banana nut muffins practically on your own, and you can prepare simple meals with minimal assistance. I sometimes have to remind myself that the messes aren't a big deal as long as you're trying and learning along the way, so please continue to give your momma grace with that. 

This past year you've really started to look more like a young lady than a child. I often try to find a teenager in crowds just to prove to myself that you're still a kid and that you aren't growing up too fast. You're just getting so tall! You're pants turn into capris after just one season nowdays. At the father daughter dance, you actually wore a pair of my tights because none of yours fit anymore. And that doesn't even account for the milestone you crossed by starting to wear women's size shoes.

  

I still can't admit to myself that you've entered double digits, but maybe by the time your next birthday comes around, I'll come to terms with that. I love you so much, and I am so excited to see how you continue to grow and learn.  I thank God for making me your mom 10 years ago, and for all of the days in the future that I'll continue being your mom...forever.  

 

I'ts FINALLY Spring!

Every year, I think I am the most excited about spring I've ever been, but the next year, I find I am still just as excited.  Well, this year, we had such a long winter that I think the amount of excitement I am feeling about this spring season MIGHT just take the top spot.

The bird feeder we had got destroyed by a combination of the wind, ice, and our dog.  So, Billy bought me a nice metal one.  It reminds us of one of the ones his grandmother used to have down at the lake house.  I really love watching the birds flit about it, although it drives the dogs crazy.

Audrey has been asking to buy flowers to start planting.  Since it's a little early for that, we bought some tulips at the store.  She picked out a bunch in spring pastel colors, and every time she's in the kitchen, I catch her sniffing and looking at them.  They are beautiful, and it is fun to see her so excited about the beauty of God's creation.

The pups are probably the least excited about spring.  They love the warmer weather; in fact, I am pretty sure Tripper could be left outside all day and be perfectly happy. I'd hate to see what our yard would look like though. I think he is a bit sad some days though, because he wants to be outside chasing all of the birds and squirrels, not sitting in the house just watching them.  Tripper has also found a new perch watching kids play at the park.  He's probably keeping an eye on the birds over there too.

Even though the mornings and nights are still a little brisk, I am so thankful it is spring. The grass is getting greener, the trees are starting to bud, and all signs are pointing toward warmer weather all around, as are the longer amounts of sunshine each day.  I can't wait to start spending more time outside at the park, riding bikes, and visiting all of the fun local attractions.  Spring is here!

Spring Break Fun

The past week the kids were out of school on spring break.  After our big trip in the fall, we decided something more low key and closer to home would be best for this break.  While Billy and I only took 1 day off work this week, we did try to infuse fun throughout the week for the kids.

The break started last weekend with a trip to Lake O for Audrey with her Nana and Papa.  She got to see the St. Patrick's day parade at the dam and even got a little sunburn on her nose from the time she spent outside.  Barrett spent Saturday playing hockey in another local hockey tournament...his last one of this season.  Because he's really only gone to hockey and basketball games for his brother, I don't think Fletcher has figured out other sports have different names.  Anything with a ball is basketball, and anything with a stick is hockey.  This video is one I took Saturday before Barrett's hockey game where Fletcher is clearly kicking a balloon and calling it basketball.  His giggle just brings a smile to my face though.

One morning, I went in to work a little later than normal and took Audrey and Barrett to get pancakes for breakfast.  I couldn't believe how much they ate!  Audrey has officially reached that age where she prefers to order off the adult menu.

Our next adventure was to go see Captain Marvel at the movie theater.  Audrey was completely enthralled, and has since decided she wants to see all of the Avenger movies so she can watch the Avenger's Endgame movie that comes out in a few weeks.  She has a long way to go, but I am sure that at some point she'll make it.  Barrett liked the movie, but some parts were a little too intense for him still. Fletcher, on the other hand, thought it was hilarious.  He laughed out loud at every little thing.  His favorite character was by far the cat.  He could've cared less about the super heros.

When Billy and I took off of work on Friday, we started off with more pancakes!  I mean, who doesn't love a good breakfast?  This time, we went to the Shack, and the kids even got to write on the walls.  They thought that was amazing.  Fletcher even had to get in on the action with his crayons.

After we had our fill of bacon, we headed for City Museum.  Audrey and Barrett are prime ages for the place, and immediately started exploring all of the little tunnels, nooks and crannies.  Fletcher, on the other hand, didn't want to do anything.  He was overwhelmed by the number of people, the noise, and the fact that everything was a little bit unexpected.  It took Billy and I a solid 30 minutes to get him calmed down.  All 3 of the kids did like the outside portion of the City Museum.  The older two couldn't' get enough.  All Fletcher wanted to see outside were the planes. It was still a bit chilly that morning, so we headed back inside after Fletcher had seen all the planes and the older two had done all the slides. While Audrey and Barrett ran from room to room exploring everything, Fletcher finally found the toddler area, where he decided to stay for the duration.  He played with giant blocks, rode the toddler train, and tried the slide...once.

The rest of break was the beautiful weekend we just had, so we spent as much time as possible outside.  Audrey and I went on an hour long bike ride Saturday morning. It was a little chilly still, but extremely satisfying.  I am glad she is a strong enough rider now to go on long rides.  Barrett is riding really well without training wheels, but he's still working to build his confidence.  And Fletcher...well, he just pushes his trike with his feet instead of using the peddles.

All in all, it was a fun break and we couldn't have asked for better weather.  While it would've been fun to get some time away from home, it was wonderful to find fun right where we live and still get to sleep in our own beds. The most important thing is that we got to spend some quality time together as a family.  I am so grateful for these 4 humans and all of the time we spent together over the past few days!

Thawing Out

It seems like the frigid winter of 2019 is finally coming to a close. We've definitely had fun playing in all of the snow, relaxing on the many snow days, and sipping lots of hot cocoa.

I've frequently pondered whether I like having more actual winter weather or not.  I was leaning toward liking it, when Billy went out to straighten up the yard today. I knew it didn't look great, but I didn't realize just how bad it was until he started cleaning it up.  All of the moisture from the snow and ice coupled with having dogs out there on a regular basis means that the grass is torn up.  We've lived 6 winters in this house and never had anything like this happen.  Thus, the only conclusion I can draw is that it has to do with the long, cold, and wintery winter we just had.  

Well, at least we know the dogs enjoyed themselves in the snow too!  I seriously have never seen a dog just lay in the snow like Tripper does.  He loves playing in the snow as much as the kids do!

 

I Love You a Latte

Since I started my career, I've started my mornings with a cup of hot tea.  I always tried to stick with decaf or naturally caffeine free tea.  Then, I started consulting.  The first 9 months, I kept up with the tea routine, getting it ready before I left the house and taking it with me.  The problem was, I wasn't always going to the same place and if I forgot, well, let's just say that hanger can apply to a lack of hydration too.

Slowly, I started drinking the fancy coffee drinks. Mochas, then lattes, and then, over the past few months, a cup of coffee with just a touch of creamer and sugar (not even a whole packet).  At home, I started buying coffee for the Kuerig instead of just Chai lattes or tea.  At the office, I realized that I am now starting my mornings with a cup of coffee instead of tea.  And, the irony is that I can't mark a specific point where it happened. It just evolved into this, and now I am hooked.  I need the caffeine or I am REALLY not pleasant to be around (worse than hanger).  I still drink tea...usually after one cup of coffee.  And then I'll drink tea up until lunch and then usually in the afternoon too. I've started to gauge my level of fatigue by whether I crave an afternoon cup of coffee to keep me going.

And, if that isn't bad enough, Billy now is making an INTENTIONAL EFFORT to drink coffee. His vice is soda...Dr. Pepper to be more specific. So, he decided to try to get into the coffee routine instead. We've found some k-cup coffee that he likes when he dresses it up a bit and turns it into a latte.

I tell you this whole thing not because it is all that important, but more because it has raised some questions in my mind.  The two main ones are: When did we get this old? And, what is wrong with us?

I never thought in a million years I would ever see my husband try to drink coffee.  Nor did I expect to add coffee to my hot beverage consumption.  I am extremely curious to see how this continues to evolve as we get into summer when a warm cup of liquid may not be as appetizing.  I'll try to remember to report back in a few months on the status of coffee consumption in the Nance household.