And She's 12

A mishmosh of photos - from the day she came until now - and here she is...the last year before she's a teen.

She's strong and brave. Stubborn and cheeky. 

She's insanely aware, smart, tries hard, falls apart easily, works herself well, pushes herself on occasion, is an avid reader, has a huge vocabulary, is a helper and a doer. She cares little of fashion, lots of Hurricanes and Daddy and Maggie and Softball.

And she's my girl.

I love every inch of her. Even the parts that drive me nuts. Because I am sure I do the same to her!

 

And the Band Plays On

He's growing up so fast...and he's learning so much. Sometimes I can't keep up.

He likes trombone. Sort of. 

I'm not thrilled with his teacher who insists on placing students to the very last chair. When you know your last chair, what does this do to you mentally?

But he plays on. Maybe because we force him.

Maybe because he likes it.

I keep hope for Marching Band and the joy that might come with that. 

 

Gobbles and Joy

I'm writing this months later and dating it back to the accurate time for publishing - so I really don't remember any of the stress or changes last minute - or ebbs and flows to stupid Covid or cancellations and postponements.

I remember turkey. Lots of it.

I remember Dan coming in for it. Which fills my heart.

I remember pie and stuffing. Luna walking and laughing.

I remember a toast to my family whom I love more than anything.

And I remember love.

And I can't wait to do it all again in 2023.

 

That First Snow

When it's still pretty, fresh and fun...it won't be in Janaury!

 

Random Moments

That freight train to 2023 is full motion - but I force myself to slow down....and be with friends.

First, one that has been in my life for only a few years. But she is a true delight and pushes me to be a better mom.

Then a moment to work on that with my kid. More than ever, she just needs my presence. It's strange, I thought tweens pull away from their parents.

Nope, not in this house.

Then it was one of my oldest and dearest...I have know this girl since we were tweens ourselves. And almost 40 years later....we're still laughing.

After that, we got a surprise visit from one of my cousins up from FL. And I was able to talk my mom and brother in to joining us for a little snack. We're so glad he came!

Life is moving fast - and we're taking intentional moments to slow down. It's worth it.

 

A Visit and What's to Come

In an attempt to help a new grandma out (my sister-in-law) - I purchased some items from the fall JBF consignment sale. With her grandbaby coming for Thanksgiving, it was time that we meet up and have dinner. So I surprised Hubs and the kids with a trip to see their family....and pizza and an exchange later, it was a fun way to spend a night!

Also that day, big news for KK....she needs a Herbst appliance to reset her jaw so her teeth line up on each other. We've got a truly compassionate orthodontist who walked it through with her, answered the questions and convinced her that a year would be worth it for the next 60 to get her jaw to line up correctly. December will be a big month for this girl!

 

Halloween

For my memory book: Freda Khalo and Muchiro Tokito from Demon Slayer.

I can't get over their creativity...and the fact that they BOTH got invited to hang with friends and trick-or-treat. Which fills this momma's bucket to overflowing.

Happy Hooliganing, kiddos!

 

Friends

The world is just better with good friends. The kind that laugh and scheme...but also do good for others, watch out for others, show kindness to others.

There is no greater wish I could have for my kids in their youthful years...than for them to be kind to others, and to have kindness bestowed upon them.

You don't need to think the same or do the same or be the same.

You can still respect and show grace and mercy.

And you can walk humbly with God.

Go be light, girls... because heaven knows, we need it.

 

For 5 Minutes

Fortunately, for a little longer than five minutes....it's just glorious this time of year. I'll take every ounce of it...because, come February....

 

Softball Done!

Another wonderful season for KK - she really came into her own this fall with Fall Ball in the NorthEast Little League. She's got gumption, that's for sure. Along with nine or ten other girls who will brave rain and sleet and double headers that take ALL DARN DAY on a Sunday...just to play.

I love this.

Go, girl, go.

 

Tennis is Done!

We are done for the season! And he ended with a W! Heck, he ended his last 6 matches going 5-1. Not bad for a kid who only won one match last year.

He tried something new.

He worked at it with decent effort and energy.

And he WON'T STOP GROWING!!!

This one below is him on tip toes...but "it's my life goal" - 

keep growing, kid.

 

Birthday For Bubs

How is it that my sweet boy is 14! How is it that I've been a mom for that long? Wasn't I just in college?!

Regardless, it's here. And he's huge and tall and wonderful and funny and all the things.

So off we go to celebrate...

First -a quick trip to Target to help Sissy buy her brother a present. Complete with a Vanilla Bean Frappacino (a wildly overpriced frozen vanilla milk whip cream thing) from Starbucks.

Seriously though - best $5 to have her chat and talk and scheme and want to spend time with me.

Then home for some pizza and cake with Grandma and Grandpa, plus a treasure hunt to earn his birthday present.

From there, to the Planetarium with YiaYia and Papou - and then a FroYo place for the largest frozen yogurt with cookies you've ever seen. But hey, you get a birthday once every 365 days. It's worth some FroYo.

Because time....it goes by in a blink.