Sunny Days...Chasin' the Clouds Away

Yesterday, the sun decided to make an appearance. I don't think I have ever really felt as if I suffered from this disorder, but this winter the dark and lack of sun truly has altered my personality and I am eager for the light to shine again.

Once the sun came out we were off on a walk through the 'hood. We came back to the house and played outside. The girls pulled out bikes, balls, and scooters and went at it. Shelly decided that she would attempt riding Lily's old bike and she really mastered it. I was amazed at her fearlessness and determination when it was tough to pedal up hill. Just a week or so before the idea of getting on the bike was terrifying to her. I am really impressed with this little 5 year-old. All on her own, she is opening up all kinds of new doors for herself and developing some pretty incredible confidence. It is really a wonderful thing to watch.

Now, we just need to get the 8 year-old on a bike and feeling more confident. She has so many mixed emotions about riding a bigger bike. I know that some of her apprehension is thanks to me. I have imposed my own fears and cautiousness to both girls and I know it has created limits in their world. I think of the Kelly Clarkson song, "Because of You", sometimes and I fear that maybe I am doing these things to my girls...(here are the lyrics that often ring in my head):

Because of you I never stray too far from the sidewalk

Because of you I learned to play on the safe side So I don't get hurt

Because of you I find it hard to trust Not only me, but everyone around me

Because of you I am afraid

So, I am resolving to fix that and allow them some freedom and the ability to EASILY take some risks.

Bottom line: I just am happy that the sun came out the other day!

Obsessions

So, lately it seems that I have developed lots of obsessions. I guess it might be attributed to the never ending rain and chilly temps and being locked up in the house on the couch with my warm and cozy blanket.

I used this site awhile back, and found that I can create my own really fun and cool layouts using it. Here are just two that I made:

On Facebook, I have become addicted to Scramble. It's a word game similar to Scrabble that I find fascinating and it pulls me in every time I'm even remotely close to a computer.

And, all of these daggone reality shows. The list of shows I am currently watching: Jon & Kate, OC Housewives, The Bachelor, Toddlers & Tiaras, and American Idol. Thank goodness for DVR. I don't know why I am continually pulled into these shows with little substance, but I just can't help myself.

Oh, and finally...I've become obsessed with charting Shelly's constant potty progress. She is doing well and I have it all documented with various notes and even a bit of highlighter thrown in here and there.

What are your obsessions?????????

We ♥ KK

The people around this house have a love of Krispy Kreme. The latest little KK lovely to be added to their line up are the Minis. I picked up a box of 20 for $6.99. They come in original glazed, chocolate, and sprinkles. Super cute little guys that would be perfect for a classroom party/snack. I think I'll be bringing these to Shelly's school for Valentine's Day.

Anyway, we love KK at the Fosters!!!!

Tycoon in the Making

Last year we started this Monopoly frenzy in the winter. John had to teach both Lily and me how to play the game correctly. It took Lily some time to learn the fine art of negotiation, but by the end of the winter of 2007 she knew how to drive a hard bargain.



This winter the Monopoly board came back out and we were at it again. But, with an obvious change...the girl can play now!!! I guess a year of maturity has proven to make her a little Trump in the making. It has turned into quite the battle among the three of us. I still have yet to win a game this winter. John has two wins under his belt and Lily has one win. Fun to watch her learning the fine art of game playing and strategizing. We are eager to have Shelly join in the excitement. For now, Shelly likes handing out the Chance and Community Chest cards...she's a good sport.



So, if Lily asks you to play a round of Monopoly with her...you've been warned!!!

An Historical Day

We had a snow day today due to the light dusting that occured this morning. So, that gave us the opportunity to watch the President's Inauguration together. Although he was not my candidate, I am eager to see him bring about change and offer hope for the future. And, it has been a cool experience to watch this with my girls and observe their interest in our future.

The Birthday and The Party

Shelly celebrated her 5th birthday on Friday with our little family. We hid the gifts and she searched the house for them...closets, bed, pool, steps, dryer...She received all kinds of fun clothes and toys from her aunts, uncles, grandparents, and bestemor. Her big gift this year was a Nintendo DS.Now she feels like her big sister and they both play dualing games together.After the gifts, it was time for the birthday dinner. So, we headed to Elizabeth's for Shelly's favorite...the bread and cheese pizza.
On Saturday, we headed to the ballet studio for her party with friends. The first hour was spent choosing costumes and dancing with a really terrific teacher. Then the girls had cupcakes and juice and Shelly opened her gifts. It was a fun time for the girls and an easy time for the parents. I only needed to bring the cupcakes, juice, and balloons. I added the initials to the girls' favor bags (provided by the ballet studio). Shelly loved having all of her friends there. Another successful party under our belts.

She's 5!!!!! Or...She's 5 Dollar Foot Long

Shelly turned five today!!!!!!!!!!!!! She loves that Subway commercial with the $5 Footlong tune. I think she thinks it's all about her 5th birthday. So, all day we are saying "hey 5 dollar footlong!!!"

Anyway, can't believe I am here with a 5 year-old and an 8 year-old. Last night, I told the girls the story of Shelly's birth and they both loved hearing all about it. Some highlights of that day:

• Lily watching Free Willy before going to the doctor's appointment.



• Eating the fried sampler at Hugo's with Lily at lunch.



• Buying Lily socks at Old Navy before the doctor's appointment.



• John deciding at the last minute to join us at the appointment.



• Dr. Grewal examining me and saying, "Are you ready to have this baby today?" My answer was "Ummm, I guess so," while John and Lily cheered.



• Requesting that I be able to make a quick (about 40 minutes) trip back to Summerfield to pick up my suitcase and hearing, "No, you've got to get to the hospital."



• Lily laying next to me in the hospital bed while the nurses checked me out.



• Lily staying with Stephanie and Jason while I was getting ready to have Shelly.



• The doctors and nurses were very anxious about Shelly's positioning. It was a bit of a scary time in that hospital room.



• The doctor decides she'll be born via c-section.



• At 10:38 p.m., welcoming our little baby girl into the world.



• At about 7:00 in the morning deciding on her name...Shelly Lin. This was after she had been called...Brooke, Grace, and Karley.



• Lily and Shelly meeting for the first time at 10:00 the next morning! It was absolutely perfect!!! I loved every minute of seeing the two of them look at one another.

So many terrific memories filled the next few days, months, and now years! Shelly is such a joyful, loving child. Every day spent with her is truly wonderful. We love you Shelly Bean!!!

Posing with Spot from school

Approaching 5 and Kindy Woes

So, I have been thinking about Shelly so much lately. She will turn five on Friday and that means that she will be heading to Kindergarten in the fall. It is all almost too much for me to handle. She seems like this little tiny girl who still needs my help. But, the reality is that she isn't such a little girl and she is very independent. She will be completely ready for Kindergarten in the fall (really the late summer), but I am not so sure her mother will be.You may recall my many ramblings about Lily heading off to Kindergarten. Never had I been filled with so much emotion. And, I fear I am getting ready to engage in those same feelings all over again. I know that she will take her sister's hand and they will both head off on this new adventure together. I feel much comfort knowing they will be together and there for each other. But, I am already struggling with the thought of redefining myself in late August. After nine years of doing this gig, I am not so sure where my new responsibilities as a mom will take me. I'm excited, I'm eager, I'm nervous, and I am totally unprepared. Good thing I have time to figure this all out...seven months to get my act together.

In the meantime, I am savoring this little ritual with Shelly (eating her raisins and listening to the "iPod")and enjoying this silly little look she frequently gives me. Time will fly and I want to be ready to catch as much of it as I can before it's out of my grasp!