Friday, September 30, 2011

Library Thoughts

A few days ago I went to the public library to check out a book Lily wanted that wasn't at her school library. I found myself at the library around 11:00---just as the toddler story time was ending. There were moms and toddlers and babies all over the place. Moms seemed to be corralling the toddlers and attempting to navigate their strollers. 


2006



I instantly was sent back in time and reminisced about the many times Lily and Shelly and I would go to story time at the library. It was always a welcome break combined with complete mayhem. It was a chance to interact with other moms with kids, but once out in the big world, some of those kids were't so cooperative. But, as I looked at those tired moms the other day, I thought about all that lies ahead of them. The changes that come when their children go off to school and the new-found independence of both their children and themselves. Then I began to wonder about the changes ahead of me. And, make a vow to try and savor all of these moments with my girls in the here and now. I am so thankful to have such full and happy memories of the time I spent with them when they were small girls. And I love that I have these photos that capture them together.


2004



2006

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Pottery Time

I hate to admit this, but quite awhile ago the girls got a pottery wheel set (from Aunt Stacy and Uncle Pat) and we just now took it out and put it to good use! I was really wishing that Krissy (my expert potter niece) was here to help us. So, Krissy the next time you come to visit we may need you to do a class on pottery throwing!!!


Shelly and her pot






Shelly and I went first and her bowl was not so so grand. But, when Lily got involved with her bowl, she did a great job. I think she had the technique down a bit better than I did for Shelly's. We will let the bowls air dry and then get to painting and embellishing them tomorrow.


Lily working the pottery











Lily's completed pottery on the wheel



I resisted this project because of the potential for dirtiness and sure enough, it was a messy event. But, fun, nonetheless.
A bit of my dirty leg with clay on it





Shelly's pot (left) and Lily's pot (right)
painting and embellishing begins tomorrow




Monday, September 26, 2011

More Cheering

It was another day of cheerleading for Shelly. The game was postponed on Saturday until Sunday afternoon because of all the rain we had last week. Shelly showed up for some cheering good times. It is fun to watch her do her thing and smile the whole time. 


































Thursday, September 22, 2011

Four + a Monkey



Look what I found in my photo archives the other day---


This was our little family in 2004 at Barefoot Landing in Myrtle Beach. The additional family member is one of my favorite animals. Love a cute monkey!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

My Girls

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Before Cheerleading on Saturday---
Shelly practicing her cheers and Lily showing me her straightened hair

Love these girls and their happy souls. I'm a lucky mom.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Wildlife

Once I picked up Lily and brought her home from running club on Monday, we looked outside to see a squirrel sitting precariously on the side of the pool. He (assuming here that it was a boy squirrel) gingerly made his way closer to the pool's edge and then suddenly he was perched with a back leg and front leg on the side of the pool and the legs in the water. He was reaching closer and closer toward the water in an attempt to get a little sip of H2O. 










As this event unfolded in front of us, Lily shouted out, "Look at the deer". And sure enough, there were four deer heading to the trees on the back of our lot. In one glance you could see a squirrel hanging by a thread in the pool and deer eating the leaves on our trees. A regular wildlife sanctuary in our own backyard.













Notice deer to the left and squirrel to the right



Deer & Squirrel together!



And, as I watched the squirrel skitter out of our lawn I wondered, "Did he ever get a drink of water?".

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Arrrgh Matey!

It was Pirate Day on Friday at Shelly's school. We resurrected the same top that Lily wore four years ago. I had embroidered it with a skull and was pretty darn proud of it at the time. This time around I was just pretty darn proud that I remembered to hang on to the shirt for Shelly. Here they are in their similar outfits. Shelly forgot to put on her eye patch for the photo.




Thursday, September 15, 2011

Homework Station

We have a homework station that helps keep us organized and it is kept at the table where the girls do their homework each afternoon. It contains all of the items we need to stay focused and efficient and keeps us from having to get up and search for the pencils, paper, crayons, etc.


In the container: 

  • crayons
  • markers
  • pens
  • pencils
  • scissors
  • glue stick
  • number line
  • looseleaf notebook paper
  • calculator
  • dictionary
  • notepads
  • 2 folders for papers from school (each of the girls has a folder)







Monday, September 12, 2011

Star Spirit

Shelly joined the community cheerleading squad this year and she is just loving it. For two years she has dreamed of being a cheerleader. So, on Saturday when she was on the track cheering on the football team, she just couldn't stop smiling! It was so fun to see her pretty little face beaming while she stood in front of the crowd.


As a result of her enthusiasm, she received the first Star Spirit award of the season. Shelly gets to wear a pair of snazzy star sunglasses all week for winning the Star Spirit award. She was thrilled and I was super proud!


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Elli & Shelly
Cheerleaders
 

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Cheering on the football players


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Ready to cheer


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Arranging her pom poms


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Watching the kick off


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Let's Go Cowboys


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Elli cheering


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"Ah Ooh Ah" Cheer


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Cheering on the crowd


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A quick group photo
Check out the Star Spirit Sunglasses on Shelly's head


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So happy
So enthusiastic