Every year since the kids have been born, Nana has given them a Christmas ornament engraved with the date and a special event from that year. For example, "kindergarten" for the first year of school, "311 4th Ave" for our first move or "fired up and ready to go" from Barack Obama's campaign speech in Grinnell. As the kids helped me decorate the tree this year, we read the inscriptions and reminisced. A lovely new tradition.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
twelve
My girl turned 12 last week. A new cell phone (way cooler than mine) a slumber party (not much slumbering) and opening weekend of vampire movie New Moon. Also a birthday cake a Nana's, not enough air to blow out the candles on the first try, but at last, success!
I love my sweet girl!
Blowing up balloons for the festivities!
Sam had friends over so he would LEAVE HIS SISTER ALONE! A fierce game of chess.
The slumberless slumber party winds down.
The cake...
Saturday, November 21, 2009
this place, this time
Photos from my day off November 19. I am sad I missed a few picture opportunities: morning chat with Jenn and Brea as well as s on the rock climbing wall. I do have photos of s before going to school, a run with Pepper at Krumm, lunch (perhaps C was not enamored of my project?), K at the orthodontist, dropping off books at our BEAUTIFUL new library, our house and swim practice (including Jennifer helping out with math homework!).
This time, this place: sublime.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
I received two new pieces of information this week. One, during yoga class, came from my friend Jenn. As we worked on core strength, she pointed out that by using core muscles, poses like plank are easier to hold as the core takes some of the weight off the shoulders and wrists. Yup, she's right (of course), plank still isn't easy for me, but this tip certainly helps a great deal.
Secondly, I picked up Bicycling magazine on my first visit to our new, gorgeous, airy, light, huge Drake Library. (The kids and I all gasped in unison as we walked through the door.) I was encouraged by the piece on "older" riders. Respect Your Elders - bicycling.com Needless to say, I loved the article.
The one that really stuck with me was this one. Rites of Passage - bicycling.com "The hill isn't in the way, the hill is the way" really struck me as an outlook I need to adopt.
So on my first ever run (the first of many more, I think) at Krumm nature preserve this morning I had an opportunity to put my new knowledge into use. C and I had taken a walk at Krumm earlier in the week and he had pointed to the west loop and mentioned some big hills. This morning after finishing the east loop, I decided to try the west loop as well. Yup, the hills were big. and long. and muddy. BUT the strength comes from the core and the hill isn't in the way, the hill is the way. Good words for the run and good thoughts to live with for a bit.
goodbye
A beautiful friend died this week. Georgia and I were classmates growing up. One of the neat things about returning to my hometown is the chance to re-connect with people I knew at other stages of life. Georgia was a shining laughing funny droll woman with a smile that could light up a room. It was an honor to know her. My heart breaks for her sons, mother, father, sister, brother, family and friends who will miss her so much.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
visitors
summer friends
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)