Painfully Shy

When I was a little girl I was painfully shy. I can remember hiding behind my mother's leg and not wanting to speak to people I didn't know. I was probably a teenager before I would order a meal by myself at a restaurant and the idea of standing up in front of a group to do anything made me shiver and shake with fear as a kid.


I tell you this because the personality that exists in my youngest daughter is a carbon copy of my own personality as a young girl. So, I get it. I understand where she's coming from and I empathize more than anyone can know.

I remember my mother telling me that she was so amazed when I came home from school in the 5th grade and announced that I would be playing the flute in the elementary school band. I always thought it was funny that she clung on to this memory and that she felt it was a turning point in my life. I guess it was the first time that I made a bold decision like this on my own. A decision that would have me up on a stage in front of others. I now understand how this effected my mom. The thought of Shelly making a conscious choice to be in front of a large group of people would definitely be overwhelming for me, as well.


Yesterday was the Fall Festival at the girls' school. Shelly had been chosen as the princess representative from her Kindergarten class. She reluctantly (and with much assistance from her sister) appeared on stage for the presentation of the princes and princesses. As she came on to the stage she was in tears, she looked around apprehensively, she folded her arms to protect herself, and once the limelight was off of her she seemed to be a bit relieved. Her happiest moment: receiving the prized trophy and being able to get off the stage! Once it was over she was as happy as could be.

And as all of this unfolded, I realized that there would probably be many more years of apprehension, fear, and nervousness on Shelly's part. And just like my parents did for me, I hope I can be there to make it all better once it's over.

People Who Make Me Smile

On my list of people who make me smile, these two are right at the top. Wednesday was picture day at school and being the frugal and constant photographer that I am, I chose not to buy the usual school picture package. I was most annoyed by the fact that the payment was due BEFORE I saw the finished product. Anyway, I take sooooooooo many pictures of my girls that I just couldn't see investing in the typical staged school photos. But, I did want to capture the essence of who they are on picture day. So here they are:

Disconnected Info---

A few strange and diconnected items to chat about today.

Last week, I prepared one of my favorite things---crepes. Ever since I began French in 8th grade, I have loved making crepes. I whip of a batch, stack them with wax paper in between, and keep them in the fridge for as long as they'll last. Here's a little scene of the crepe preparation with my assistant, Shelly:

And here is the super simple recipe I use to make my crepes. Yum!!!!

Classic Crepe Recipe

Beat 2 eggs, 2 T. melted butter, and 1 and 1/3 cup of milk until blended. Gradually add in 1 cup flour and 1/2 t. salt and beat until mixed and smooth. Refrigerate for 2 hours (sometimes I skip this step). Cook crepes for 1 minute on each side.

Lily suffers from allergies and her pediatrician suggested that she take allergy meds from September until May. If you are looking for an inexpensive effective allergy meidcation, this is the one to get---Allerclear from Costco. It is $12.99 for a supply of 300 tablets. Each morning she takes her pill and she has really done well with it. We started on this plan last September and she had a fairly allergy-free school year.

On Sunday, we went to the Champions Tour golf tournament (the Seniors tour). It was played in Hickory, NC and a friend of John's was playing (Mike goodes). It was cool to see him out there with other big names. The girls brought their hats along for an autograph. On the drive to the golf course, Lily read her book and Shelly admired her shoes.

It's The Little Things---

When the days are gray (inside) and out, it's great to have a little something special to make you smile. That's just what Shelly did for us today. Check it out:

random

Some random thoughts for the day:

Why do I keep dreaming about snakes?

When will Shelly feel 100% about leaving me in the morning? I know she is fine once she's there, but the process of parting ways is so tough on her.

I have attempted to convince her that I am home not having a ton of fun while she's away. She replied to me the other day, "I don't care what you are doing. I just want to be with you".

As a mom it does feel good to be loved so strongly and innocently. That is how I felt about my own mother. I just wanted to be with her. I still do.

I am thankful for my little family of four, my sisters and my dad. Each day I am glad I have them in this journey of life.

I love Carvel ice cream cake. I haven't had one in several months, but I do love them.

Still figuring out how to embrace my new life at home without my little girls every day.

Fun to have new friends with interesting stories to tell.

Need to make a jar to collect money for Shelly's Princess competition for her Kindergarten class.

It's a cloudy day. I like cloudy days.

We think this video is pretty funny---

First Horse Show

A big fun day at the horse show.

Lily participated in her first show.

She was in the Lead Line class and got a blue ribbon for first.

Actually all of the participants in this class receive first place. :)

Shelly had a chance to ride, also...not in the show though.

And the Foster and the Kinney girls had an afternoon of fun.

A couple of videos of Lily's big debut in the ring.

We Cried---

This morning before school Shelly started to cry and told me that she didn't want to go to school today. I wasn't really surprised. Lily told me that on Friday and on Tuesday when they got off the bus at school, Shelly began crying a little. Fortunately, Lily was there to walk her to class and assure her that everything was going to be alright. I was so thankful for Lily's kindness toward her little sister.

So, when the tears started today I told Shelly everything would be okay and she would have a great day at school. She gave me some resistance putting on her shoes and getting her backpack but she finally got herself going. Once the bus arrived, Lily took her hand and they headed to the bus where they both shared a seat.

As I returned home I started to cry. I cried because my little girl was sad and I didn't know how to fix it. I cried because at 43 I was sad and wanted my mom. I wanted to be able to ask her how she handled these situations with me. How did she make it all better when I cried almost every day in the first grade? What words of advice did she give me in the third grade when I cried on my first day of school and her first day back into the teaching world?

I'm not sure how she handled it all. But, I do know that she made it all feel better and I know that I need to do the same thing for my little girl, too. I know that if she were here she would tell me that this too shall pass. And, I know that she'd be right.

My mom with Lily in November of 2000

Company

John's sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and mother came for a visit this weekend. We had a really nice time with them. We went to the park and the science museum, played cards, swam in the pool, and attended a soccer game. The girls loved having Kaden (their cousin) here. A crazy looking anteater at the zoo!

And this event marks the official end to the summer. Good bye Summer and hello Fall with your cooler temperatures and beautiful rich colors.

Pom Pom Excitement

While shopping at Big Lots yesterday I ran across a selection of Martha Stewart craft items. And what should I find there, but the fun pom pom kit that she was selling at Michael's for $19.99. I just never could bring myself around to pay for the kit. So, my cheapness paid off and I bought two kits for $2.00 a piece!!! Admittedly, I am a bit late on this cute trend, but I also paid much less than the going rate. I put three of them together and hung them in Shelly's room today. I like them, but I may need to fluff them a bit more for a rounder look. Also, not so sure my thumb tack and monofilament hanging technique will last too long---we'll see. I'm planning to check with Lily to see if she's interested in having any of the pom poms in her room. I still have seven more to put together (super easy craft).

September

I remember this song and the play from which it originated being one of my mom's favorites: