other stuff

 

It seems my family can't get too far away from baseball even when we are doing other stuff. But that's okay because we are together and having fun which is really all that matters.

 

 

Last weekend we loaded up the car on a whim and hit up a local Aquasox game. We walked right into a very lucky happenstance. Miss Divine was rewarded a first pitch prize.

 

 

And throw out the first pitch she did.

 

She had a blast and loved every minute of it.

 

 

The rest of the crew took a lap around the parade loop and was chosen to play a game after the second inning. Webbly wasn't too thrilled by their skills as you can tell. C'mon Webbly!!

 

In the end Webbly was cool and everyone was happy. The kids ran the bases after the game and the Aquasox brought in a win. Fun Day!!



 





 

 

boom shakalaka

Confession. Holidays always make me a tad blue. I get excited and caught up with all the possibilities. I let the commercialism and the perfectly staged interactions swarm around in my head. I envision family and friends and smiley people having fun and being together. Norman Rockwell-esque. But the reality of it all is it's never really like that. The reality is the people I love are spread out far and wide. The reality is not as much Norman Rockwell as it is Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion.

I woke up yesterday, July 4th, knowing we had nothing planned. No holiday hoopla. I went to an early morning yoga class. And, I dropped my five pound pooch off for a grooming appointment. (Those were the only two things I had planned for Independence day.) The rest of the day was up in the air. I decided to set my expectations very low. Read: none. And, vowed as long as the four people I call my own were together, even if were together on the couch, then that was enough.

Slowly the day developed into buying some smoke bombs and sparklers at the fireworks stand which made my almost 13 year old happy. Eating pizza and ice cream which made my 11 year old happy. And, dancing in front of the stage of a live band which made my 8 year old happy. We then settled down on a hillside with a group people (I like to call the "good ones") to watch our community fireworks display. Afterwards we walked through hoards of people to a neighbors' house to make s'mores and light flying paper lanterns. Which proved to be more magical than I anticipated. We closed the evening by catching a ride home, because we had walked to the community commons for the festivities, and making shapes in the dark with eight boxes of sparklers before bed.

So here's the truth. I went to bed on July 3rd feeling a little down. I was anticipating grief and allowing it to win. I came face to face with some uncomfortable-ness much like Romy and Michelle at their High School reunion and I felt the ping stab me between the eyeballs. But, around 12:23 am that night .....er very early this morning,  I realized the smoke bombs, the ice cream, the dancing, the awesome fireworks display, the s'mores, the flying paper lanterns, the sparklers....these are the moments Norman Rockwell would have painted. The little moments of nothing special but pure and simple sweetness.

challenge = change

If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.

Hoo-boy, when I read that this afternoon, it struck a major nerve. I feel like I've been challenged in all aspects of my daily life as of late. From raising kids and going back to work to personal relationships and mid-life crisis. I keep struggling to push myself forward while balancing on this tight rope of life.

Several times, I've come back to this place to share news, report a hilarious misstep, express joy or relay a thought. But for some reason, I keep falling short. Unable to find just the right words. Plus, with the arrival of Spring and baseball/softball season, my life jumped into warp speed. I mean like "Sir, the coordinates they have set, they are on a direct course to Sector 001." (You know what I'm saying, right Trekkies, right?!) All I was really able to focus on was providing clean uniforms and arriving at the right ball field at the right time with the right child. (Which proved difficult at times, believe me!)

Life, as we all know, ebbs and flows. Growing smallish people into bigger people, with all the crap they throw at us, isn't easy. We all know that too. Add a dusty ball field and gather a group of people together and then, call them a team has it's challenges. I will say this, three out of the four teams my family was involved with this season have been great. And, I felt much reprieve when I was able to come back to those groups and know everything was ok. Standing up for myself (and advocating for my child) with that fourth group proved to be more of a challenge I cared it to be. A challenge partly brought on by my own doing I will admit. However, the most hurtful challenge wasn't my doing at all. It changed my hope for a fun season and turned it into something I had to "get through". Lies and gossip and bullies aren't something I've had to face head-on in my personal life before. Although, through navigating it, I proved to myself that I am strong and it opened my eyes to some true colors of those around me which I'm grateful for. However, I was very sad and disappointed in my community for a while. Lost my mojo for a bit. But as I realized I could control my reaction to the situation I was handed, I was able to pull myself out of the funk. I dusted myself off, took stock of the behaviors around me, reevaluated, focused on my kid and moved on.

Growing up, when my parents turned the magical age of forty, I didn't think much about it. I never thought it was old or young. Just an age. But as I inch closer to the tipping point myself, I've thought quite a bit about what I'm doing with my life. Or rather, what am I going to do with the rest of my life. No one needs to fear I will cash out my social security account, change my name to Rainbow Rose and flea to some island, somewhere. It's just that my babies aren't in diapers needing naps anymore. All three go to school full time and for the most part are pretty self sufficient, aside from the reminders to brush teeth and wear weather appropriate clothing. And, I spend much of my time twiddling around doing this and that. Don't get me wrong, having three kids doesn't come without challenge, stress and chaos that REQUIRES my attention but as they get bigger and are needing me less, I'm left with myself more, wondering what's next.

So one rainy day in April, I decided to apply for a substitute teaching certificate. I have had teaching credentials under my belt but when my wee family was just a family of three and our bread winner was commuting three+ hours a day, I let things expire and put it all on the back burner. I'm not sure I want to be a classroom teacher again, but I wanted a way to have a flexible schedule and contribute the bank account. This seemed like the perfect solution. My summer surprise was an envelope in the mail making me officially official. I will get myself put in the system for the Fall and get my subbing on. Different challenges and more change ahead I'm sure.

Since September I have been actively practicing yoga. I found a spot that fit and it made me happy. Yoga challenges my strength mostly, but sometimes how I thought and perceived myself and life around me as well. I aspire to get "better" and continue to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. You know all that self doubt and negative talk kept getting in the way. "I'm not strong enough", "I'll never be able to do that", "Only young people can sit like that". But the more I practiced and peeled those labels away, the more my physical and spiritual self changed and grew. It was so nice to roll my mat out and move from one sweaty asana to the next , knowing I was building strength and exfoliating the challenges of the outside world. Changing. Growing. And, I am grateful.

Summer vacation is in full swing now. Our routine has evolved from getting up early and rushing out the door to sleeping in and hanging around in our pajamas. It's a welcomed change of pace. Although summer time doesn't come without challenges. This just in. What the heck am I supposed to be doing with these three people that keep calling me Mom???

just another manic morning

Ever have one of those mornings when life jumps around from the corner, scares the crap out of you and then runs away laughing? Yeah?! Me too. Like this morning. Which, started out like any normal morning. I set my alarm for 6am, hit snooze for as long as I possibly can before wrenching myself out of bed roughly an hour (or less) before the bus is due to arrive.

So like clockwork, at 7:19am I finally lurched out of bed realizing I was nineteen minutes behind schedule, throw a sweatshirt over my pajamas and groggily walked down the hallway, opening doors and switching on lights one by one. The first door belongs to my youngest. She is the most stubborn and hardest to get going in the mornings. When I say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree in disdain for rising out of bed early then you completely understand how awful waking her up is. The word "inertia" comes to mind. Because my oldest is out the door with my handy hubby before I hit the snooze button the fifth time, and my middle only requires a slight rustling to get her going, all my efforts are focused on my youngest. Micromanaging comes into play and being the non micromanager I am, the process is just as painful for me as it is for her.

After a solid thirty-five minutes of pushing and prodding and reminding and reinforcing and pleading, I wrangled the girls into the laundry room for appropriate outerwear and backpacks. I should stop here to cue you all in that we have three dogs. One maltipoo and two scottie dogs. The maltipoo is only five pounds and has a bladder that needs relieving roughly nine hundred and fifty two times every morning. In order to stop the peeing from happening in my house, we often walk him to the bus stop. This little lap of luxury makes the older, very vocal scottie dogs extremely jealous.

Somewhere in between book reports sized 16x20, clipping a leash onto the maltipoo's collar, remembering to pack snacks, water bottles, and permission slips to the field trip....the garage door was opened. One of the scottie dogs escaped with the maltipoo (dragging his leash behind him), my middle child holding third place as best she can and me in dead last.

Half way down the road, I realized I'm not wearing a bra, I can't run in the rain boots I'm sloshing around in, and I left my 8 year old back at the house holding my cup of coffee. At this point, however, I was too far down the road to go back for the car but too far behind to make a difference in the hot pursuit.

I watched my child and two dogs dart in and out of yards as I ran forward. By the time we all reached the next bus stop, another parent had stopped the mad dash of the scottie dog (but actually it was mostly because he is fat and was too tired to continue the game of chase) and my daughter had gotten a hold of the maltipoo's leash.

Now the race back to our bus stop was the prime objective. I instructed my daughter to go back and make sure her sister was ok. When I got into eyesight I could tell the pair of them were squabbling over the book report and my coffee. And wouldn't you know it, the big yellow bus rounded the corner just in the nick of time. I yelled down to my daughter to put my coffee cup on the mailbox and run to the bus.

"Put the coffee on the MAILBOX!!!" pant, pant, pant. "GGGggooooo" "RUN!!" pant, pant pant. "Goodbye...I love you!!" pant, pant, pant. "why aren't you running???" "Goooo, FAST!!" pant, pant pant.

The bus driver was kind enough to wait for the girls who loaded the bus with minimal wear and she even pulled up and stopped to open the bus doors and hand me two biscuits for the dogs.

But I didn't give the dogs her treats because they were jerks.

parenting pet peeves

Two of my biggest pet peeves about parenting: arranged playdates and organized team snacks. There I said it. It’s out there. And, you can’t make me take it back. Just the mere mention of one of these topics makes my insides flop around and my mind start to spinning inside my skull.

Maybe two babies ago I would have been all over a playdate, this arranged appointment for children to get together to play, like friggin’ Martha Stewart on Styrofoam balls and a hot glue gun. I would have had that playdate arranged and on the calendar for weeks. I would have looked forward to it. I would have showered for it. I would hope the other parent invited me inside the house so I could engage in an adult conversation.

Now, it’s just another pull on my already overbooked schedule. Don’t get me wrong, my kids play with other kids for Pete’s sake. I just like it when it happens organically. Naturally. When the neighborhood hooligans stop in for some hide ‘n go seek or bike riding. Or when we are at the ball park for a little league game and all the little siblings run around with sticks and shout “you’re it!!” Or when the school friend calls out of the blue and asked for an impromptu sleep over. Or when some wood gets thrown in the fire pit and we skewer marshmallows to roast with friends that happen to be around. That’s what I enjoy. That’s what feels right.

Not too long ago I was victim of parenting peer pressure about my daughter’s playdate schedule. I was told that even though it was realized our family is busy with school and sports, her friends miss her. Talk about a guilt trip. I completely understand that I could be misinterpreting the conversation and I shouldn’t put feelings behind words written in emails. However, there is truth to “it’s not what you wrote, but how you wrote it”. Believe me. It’s true.

The one thing I’m not worried about regarding my children is their social skills. The three of them know how to make friends. Shy might be my middle name, but I was handed offspring who don’t understand the definition of the word.

Pet peeve numero dos: Do not e-v-e-n get me started on organized team snacks people. Such. A. Pain. I mean, I understand the concept. And I even understand the kids LOVE the team snacks almost more than actually playing the sport. Sometimes I think the kids endure the hour of t-ball just for the snack at the end of the game. If you have a child on an organized sport team, you are most likely familiar with a team of children gathering like a motley crew of misfit pirates with one clear ring leader yelling “SNACKS!!!!” as they run with a wild look in their eyes to parent standing on the side lines with the booty. And, just like that, the carefully arranged Gatorade bottles, orange slices, and rice krispy treats placed in cellophane bags tied with ribbons to match the team colors are wiped out in a matter of milliseconds. After which the snack parent looks dazed and wondering what actually happened in the blur of grubby hands, loud noises and dust flying. Did she just get groped by a first grader?!? And, never fear there is always that one sibling with puppy-dog eyes inquiring about any leftovers at the very end that the snack parent has to disappoint and watch run off crying because they didn’t get any.

Which brings me to my point…..Organized team snacks is spendy yo! It sounds good in theory. Nine to twelve kids on the team. Easy right? But don’t forget the half dozen to dozen siblings. Plus the random cousin or neighbor kid that tags along. And, that one kid from the other team who must have a snack beacon chip installed and comes snooping around as you wonder where his parents are but can never locate.

Let me tell you something. Juice boxes aren’t cheap! And, who has time to make wholesome snacks or cut up apples this day and age? Not me. The shear amount of food allergies and gluten intolerances is off the charts by the way. Never forget the teammates who have food allergies. They possess mothers who moonlight as food police. That’s a battle you never want to encounter. Never. My head is spinning just thinking about it.

be the heron

I'm not one to micro-manage my kids. I loathe reading charts that require my signature every day. I don't check the online grading rubric every hour. I'm not a fan of homework packets aka busy work. I don't need bedrooms to look like a Pottery Barn catalog. I shirk arranging play dates. I mean, how can parents teach their offspring to be forward thinkers and problem solvers if we are constantly doing everything for them. That's my philosophy anyway. I pat myself on the back for handing over the tools to be successful, but I struggle with "getting" my kids to be self starters (first grade buzz word right there).

When my son was in the fifth grade, his first male teacher seemed to share in my philosophy. He would supply all the information and then waited for the creativity and learning to begin. Some parents had issues with this educational curve and complained their children fell behind in certain subjects. Even my son's math grade dropped a tad. But this didn't make me worry.

I want my kids to learn about failing now when the cost is low, so they can gain and master the abilities of taking charge of their selves and their own educations. This way, when the cost is higher, say in high school and college, they will know what they need to do to get the job done.

Totally text book, right?! Sounds great in my head. Looks super on paper. And, for the most part, my non-helicopter-parenting style works. I deserve some positive reinforcement really. Go ahead, I'll wait.

That said, kids are innately LAZY. Mine are no exception. Especially my son. He rushes through things, often taking short cuts, he has to do just to get it over with. My middle has taken to hiding in her bedroom so that I forget I've asked her to help out. My youngest is currently the worse however. Unless it's fun or interesting, she finds every excuse under the sun to not do what has been asked or is required. I find myself trying to bribe and barter. When that doesn't work, I pull out the threats, mostly taking away things of value. This makes me angry, mostly at myself. Angry because I shouldn't have to threaten or remind my offspring how lucky they are every damn day just to get them to pick up their dirty socks. And, no, by picking up dirty socks, I don't mean stuffing them under the couch cushions.

I reminded myself of that fifth grade teacher this morning and a little pep talk he gave my son as the two of us sat across from him at conference time last year. He asked if we were familiar with herons, first looking at his student, my kid, and then meeting my eyes with his.  Of course, my child shrugged his shoulders being the spongy learner he is. And, then Mr. Teacher asked the same question but only directed it at me. All the sudden I felt my nerves swish around in my belly as if I was just handed a pop quiz. I replied ,and stuttered, that I knew it was a tall, long legged bird and one used to hang out at the swampy dairy farm I once lived on.

Mr.Teacher continued on about how fascinating herons are. And, if we ever get a chance to really observe one, we should. He explained how they aren't the most graceful and talented but they make up for that by being extremely patient and hard working. I began to catch onto the moral of the heron metaphor as he engaged my son in facts about herons' hunting techniques. Did you know herons will stand in one place, motionless, for hours waiting for the perfect opportunity to spear a meal?! And, not just any meal. The best meal. They will spread their wings out wide to create shade and a sense of safety for their prey. And, they will wait and wait and wait. As we know, waiting for that long is very hard work. He reminded my son that taking short cuts and rushing through things and not taking time to do our best work doesn't make for a big "meal" payoff in the end. Sloppy work only earns poor grades. He ended our conference with three words, "be the heron."

I've never, ever in all the years of attending (more school buzz words ahead) goal setting conferences, been brought to teary eyes as that one. That mild mannered, gentle voiced, unassuming fifth grade teacher inspired not only my kid to work harder, but me as well. Those three words have stuck with me in many situations since. And, sometimes I whisper them to my kids.

Be the heron.

mid-life

Two things happened recently. My dear, sweet friend and neighbor asked me "What is going on with your blog?" And, a high school pal found our English teacher via cyber stalking and sent me her website deets. Both have inspired me to open my laptop and see if I remembered my password to log in.

I realized my last post was way back in September. After the kids went back to school, I feel like I was busy doing everything but nothing at all. Once again, my schedule became not my own and I've been tied down to managing the life of my family. Their schedule is my schedule. And their schedules are full.

Along with all that here and there and nowhere, I have been slowly creeping up on the middle of my life point. With every day passing, I'm beginning to put that young life I was living behind me. I feel like all the firsts (i.e. first kiss, first job, first house, first baby, first minivan) is behind me, behind us. Now we finish raising and continue working and basically circling the little slice of life we've carved off for ourselves. Protecting it, growing it, loving it. And, although I'm not digging in my heels and fighting forty to the bitter end, it has been on my mind quite a bit.

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Mid life (adjective) See middle age.

Middle age (noun) The period of age beyond young adulthood but before the onset of old age, usually between the ages of 40 and 60.

Count down to my mid life: five months.

Gulp!!

When I turned thirty-nine this last September, I had an entire list of things I was going to do to make turning forty better. Easier. Smoother. September is not only my birthday month, but also the month kids go back to school. And, this year, the kids started a new school year on my actual birthday. Yup, my thirty-ninth year was going to rock. I was going to LIVE. IT. UP. sister!! I was going to bust out of bed every morning like a Disney Princess all chipper and singing and stuff. I was going to organize the garage. I was going to de-clutter the house. I was going to make exercise a priority. I was going to pay off debt. And, I was going to be better to myself therefore making me a better wife and mom.

I was going to walk into forty with swagger, baby ... throwing my hands in the air ... "like I just don't care....heeeeyyy!, hhooo!".

I just aged myself with that one, didn't I?

So far I've succeeded in dying my hair platinum blonde, going to yoga twice a week and making a few trips to Goodwill. My house is still cluttered. My garage is still unorganized, although filled with less stuff. I still have debt. And, my booty isn't any smaller than it was seven months ago. At this point, mid life is winning. Because, let's face it. Every year right after the new school year starts, the holidays hit. And, the holidays usually kick my butt. It's the pressure to be jolly and make memories greater than last years. It's the spending of money on crap that usually breaks, needs returned or is unappreciated. It's the cold and dark gray days. It's the cookies and candies and alcoholic beverages too good to pass up. The holidays wear me out. My "we can do it" attitude turns into "yeah, whatever, bring mommy a blanket" nap fest.

But!! Do not fear, my friends, I'm not pushing the panic button just yet. I may look like I live in a trailer park beside the freeway all bleached blonde with roots showing hair right now, but I still have five months left. I haven't lost this mid life crises battle yet. I keep telling myself the act of turning 40 is probably much worse than actually turning 40.

With my head held high and the promise of blue skies and warmer weather around the bend, I keep on keeping on. I AM going to rock 40. I just don't know how right now. I still have five months to figure that out.

Oh, and about my last post? From what seems like forever ago. My youngest is surviving school and making progress. The behavior chart is a thing of the past and she is busy doing her thang, her way, as usual. As always, what seems to be true of everything.....this too shall pass.....and it did.