Wednesday, April 2, 2014
She's ONE!
I don't know where the time went... but our sweet Elizabeth Margaret, our Elle Belle, Ellie, Ellie Roo, the sweet baby of our family is one. And she has been nothing but a joy...
I missed out on so much
This past year has been amazing... and I pretty much missed out on a ton since I didn't blog.... I won't catch up on everything... but I won't miss much from here on out. :) Love these littles... and the LOVED Christmas morning!
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
And There She Was...
If I had one wish, it would be for me to know what I know now, when I was a teenager. Either that, or for my children to understand why I do the things I do. You don't know how many times, I see my mother in me. Years ago, I would have thought that's the worst thing possible, but now, I couldn't be more humbled to think that I could love my children as much as she loves me.
Yesterday was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. With the hubby out of town, and my son screaming out in pain from his arm hurting (yes, the same arm he's already broken three times), my parents helped me with my kids while I spent the afternoon at the hospital. I had a soccer game at night and was all set to skip it... I finally got home at 8:45, was rounding up the kids and hurrying through bedtime routine, and then there was a knock at the door. It was my Mama- and she looked at me and said, "Go to your game." She took my baby and I hurried out the door. She didn't have to tell me twice.
The day I said I wanted to quit playing soccer, my mom was crushed. Like many parents, I know she wanted me to play in college- even if it was for the NOVA Grasshoppers, she would have been happy. When I played club soccer at Virginia Tech, she came to my first game at JMU... and then I disappointed her even more and quit after the first game. Soccer was fun and all, but an early morning wake-up for practice on Saturdays was just not in my cards after a kegger and all-nighter.
At the time, I felt like I disappointed my mom. I felt pressure from her and knew that I was letting her down. There was nothing more that she liked than traveling to see me play. At the time, we would fight about it, but now, in a weird way, I get it.
Growing up, soccer was my life. Weekends traveling for games, evenings spent at practice, family vacations at tournaments. My team was my village. When we were all grounded, we were still about to sit in that circle and laugh our asses off before games. I mean, our parents weren't going to take away something they were paying for.
Last Spring, some of our travel team, The Blast, reunited for a women's league. Most of us hadn't seen each other in over ten years, didn't know what the others were up to, hadn't touched a ball, but when we saw each other, it was like a day hadn't passed. At the beginning, we sucked. But just like the olden days, Tuesday nights became our church, our breath of fresh air, our laughs for the week away from our every day lives.
The bonds that are made on the field carry over to our real life. When we get together at dinner, I swear we could all look at each other and just laugh. We know more about one another than any of us should know. When playing, I know that if I kick the ball anywhere in Renee's vicinity, she's going to go balls to the wall and try to score even if we are down by ten. Her free spirit is contagious. And when "Rut" announced she was preggo, I cried. She was always a year younger than us and felt like a little sister, and emotion overcame me. And when the younger sister of one of our teammates that now plays with us joked about being a divorced mother of two, I wanted to hug her and I got in my car that night and smiled. She was one of three families that lost a parent while we played together and all I could think was, "If her Dad was here to see how she dominates on that field, he would be so proud." And it hit me. My very own mom is proud.
Contrary to what I may have believed, she was not out to raise the next Mia Hamm. She was a mom who loved seeing her daughter happy on the field. She loved seeing the friendships I had made, the growth as a person, and that was our way of life. So when I quit, she lost part of her own identity. SHE still misses Mr. Diemar's dirty jokes, Mr. Snyder yelling from the sideline, and the hustle and bustle of going all over the place for yet another soccer game- I know, because twenty years later, she still reminisces about it.
In fact, she misses seeing my brothers play basketball, but gets excited and is in the stands at every church rec league game they play. So now, I get it. I am becoming a swim mom, a baseball mom, a softball mom. The day the kids want to quit is going to be hard for me- and I know that day will come probably sooner rather than later and that's okay. But it's not because I think I'm raising the next Michael Phelps or Jenny Finch. It's because just like my mom, I love cheering from the sidelines, spending a day at the field, and forming our very own village. I'll just have to keep in mind, that one day there will be another chapter. Perhaps, the phone will ring and Chris will tell me he's playing intermural innertube water polo, and when that happens, I will smile. Because last night, my mom showed me. Sometimes it's all for the love of the game... and sometimes, it's just all for the love of your kids... and one day, they'll get that.
Yesterday was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. With the hubby out of town, and my son screaming out in pain from his arm hurting (yes, the same arm he's already broken three times), my parents helped me with my kids while I spent the afternoon at the hospital. I had a soccer game at night and was all set to skip it... I finally got home at 8:45, was rounding up the kids and hurrying through bedtime routine, and then there was a knock at the door. It was my Mama- and she looked at me and said, "Go to your game." She took my baby and I hurried out the door. She didn't have to tell me twice.
The day I said I wanted to quit playing soccer, my mom was crushed. Like many parents, I know she wanted me to play in college- even if it was for the NOVA Grasshoppers, she would have been happy. When I played club soccer at Virginia Tech, she came to my first game at JMU... and then I disappointed her even more and quit after the first game. Soccer was fun and all, but an early morning wake-up for practice on Saturdays was just not in my cards after a kegger and all-nighter.
At the time, I felt like I disappointed my mom. I felt pressure from her and knew that I was letting her down. There was nothing more that she liked than traveling to see me play. At the time, we would fight about it, but now, in a weird way, I get it.
Growing up, soccer was my life. Weekends traveling for games, evenings spent at practice, family vacations at tournaments. My team was my village. When we were all grounded, we were still about to sit in that circle and laugh our asses off before games. I mean, our parents weren't going to take away something they were paying for.
Last Spring, some of our travel team, The Blast, reunited for a women's league. Most of us hadn't seen each other in over ten years, didn't know what the others were up to, hadn't touched a ball, but when we saw each other, it was like a day hadn't passed. At the beginning, we sucked. But just like the olden days, Tuesday nights became our church, our breath of fresh air, our laughs for the week away from our every day lives.
The bonds that are made on the field carry over to our real life. When we get together at dinner, I swear we could all look at each other and just laugh. We know more about one another than any of us should know. When playing, I know that if I kick the ball anywhere in Renee's vicinity, she's going to go balls to the wall and try to score even if we are down by ten. Her free spirit is contagious. And when "Rut" announced she was preggo, I cried. She was always a year younger than us and felt like a little sister, and emotion overcame me. And when the younger sister of one of our teammates that now plays with us joked about being a divorced mother of two, I wanted to hug her and I got in my car that night and smiled. She was one of three families that lost a parent while we played together and all I could think was, "If her Dad was here to see how she dominates on that field, he would be so proud." And it hit me. My very own mom is proud.
Contrary to what I may have believed, she was not out to raise the next Mia Hamm. She was a mom who loved seeing her daughter happy on the field. She loved seeing the friendships I had made, the growth as a person, and that was our way of life. So when I quit, she lost part of her own identity. SHE still misses Mr. Diemar's dirty jokes, Mr. Snyder yelling from the sideline, and the hustle and bustle of going all over the place for yet another soccer game- I know, because twenty years later, she still reminisces about it.
In fact, she misses seeing my brothers play basketball, but gets excited and is in the stands at every church rec league game they play. So now, I get it. I am becoming a swim mom, a baseball mom, a softball mom. The day the kids want to quit is going to be hard for me- and I know that day will come probably sooner rather than later and that's okay. But it's not because I think I'm raising the next Michael Phelps or Jenny Finch. It's because just like my mom, I love cheering from the sidelines, spending a day at the field, and forming our very own village. I'll just have to keep in mind, that one day there will be another chapter. Perhaps, the phone will ring and Chris will tell me he's playing intermural innertube water polo, and when that happens, I will smile. Because last night, my mom showed me. Sometimes it's all for the love of the game... and sometimes, it's just all for the love of your kids... and one day, they'll get that.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Gymmie, Gym, Gym!
Mama is on a mission to lose this baby weight, so today we returned to the gym... Ellie was so happy- for the first 10 minutes... until she got hungry. Luckily, Sweet Addie never left her sister's side and I caught her on the monitor standing watch over her sissy- I wanted to cry on the elliptical when I saw this! After I fed Ellie, she stayed for another 30 minutes... until she pooped all over the exersaucer... I guess she wanted to leave her mark.:)
Cousin Love...
Aunt Shelley, Uncle B, and Nona had a great time taking the kids to Harper's Ferry for the day... We learned a little, laughed a lot, swam in the river, got chased away by the storm, and couldn't pass up a trip to Cone Zone! Nona was freaking out because there was a strong current... and today we found out someone drowned this weekend... Luckily Uncle B was there and the kids listen to him and never went in water deeper than a foot... :)
Little Mama
I remember when I had Addie, I was so stressed about how Chris would react... This time, I was so busy I didn't have time to think much about how the kids would respond... And thankfully our new addition couldn't have gone better... Chris loves Ellie with all of his being... He welcomed her so much and constantly loves on her... Drives me crazy when he slobber kisses her when she's sleeping or eating- but I mean can you really get upset that your kids truly adores their sibling? And Add- I thought I'd have problems with her wanting to help too much... But she has been perfect... She helps when I need help, and could care less when I'm not wanting it... Here she is changing her first diaper by herself- look at that smile- such pride!:)
Hairbow Happiness
A few strands of hair fo' sure deserve a hairbow... I'm so in love with this little girl- I can't even take it...
Playdate Fun!
When a good friend said she'd be in town, I was so excited to have a playdate with her! Shannon Bagby came into town with her boys- who are sooo very cute- and we enjoyed pizza, ice cream, and lots of play! Who would have thought nearly 20 years ago this would be us... Some moments just make ya want to say Amen!:) <3
Summer Swim Team
Our summers wouldn't be the same without summer swim team- we do it every year, and I might cry when my kids don't want to- I love getting up, socializing, and starting the day with time at the pool. Ellie has been a trooper this summer and is along for the ride- has gone to practices every morning and been a part of the meets.:) Both the kids have had awesome seasons- Chris making all-stars in every stroke (you can only pick two to swim though) and even made all-stars for the 9-10 year old individual medley and he's only 8! Addie made it in both free and back- even qualified at the first meet! Today at practice, one of the coaches had a talk with Addie about "natural talent"... and told her she has it... so sweet! Chris also broke the boys team record in free and back and his relay team broke the team record- and he broke the ODSL backstroke record for the entire league! Brendan is over the moon happy with this since he was a swimmer- Most of all, I've seen Chris grow confidence and enjoy being so good... I'm just hoping he keeps the love next year when he moves up age groups and adds flip turns and 50's... which I'm sure will be a year of growth... But for now, we're enjoying an awesome season of fun, snack bar visits, more shark tattoos than you can imagine, and friendships! GO SHARKS! All-stars are in two weeks!
Friday, July 12, 2013
Fun Week!
We had a great week... Chris and Addie both enjoyed special playdates with kids from their classes... and swim team was in full force... with both of them qualifying for all-stars already!:) Addie felt "big girlish" this week because I didn't make her have a bow in her hair at all times... but don't worry, I'm not giving them up quite yet! They also spent their evenings at Vacation Bible School and loved it. Mommy and Daddy enjoyed the evenings too- even going to a concert at Brambleton together one night.
Ellie continues to grow... and is still sleeping like a dream. She has been spitting up more and more though- It never bothers her, but I see a doctor visit in the future just to make sure all is well. She smiles all the time and loves her nightly walk in the Baby Bjorn. She's going through a phase where if Brendan holds her she starts screaming... but hopefully this too shall pass. I'm pretty much obsessed with everything about her... from her dimple in her arms to her crazy hair that has fallen out in stripes.
Ellie continues to grow... and is still sleeping like a dream. She has been spitting up more and more though- It never bothers her, but I see a doctor visit in the future just to make sure all is well. She smiles all the time and loves her nightly walk in the Baby Bjorn. She's going through a phase where if Brendan holds her she starts screaming... but hopefully this too shall pass. I'm pretty much obsessed with everything about her... from her dimple in her arms to her crazy hair that has fallen out in stripes.
A Day at the Ball Park...
Let's GO NATS! If you know us, you know we love the Washington Nationals... like Big Time. We follow them religiously, and going to a game in the all you can eat, all you can drink Diamond Club seats has been on our bucket list. Imagine how excited we were when some of our neighbors offered us tickets for next to nothing... and a parking pass!!! We jumped- and convinced Nona and Papa to buy some off of Stub Hub to join us since they'd have a dd and a ride to the game. We had sooooo much fun, and the Nats won for us. WE let the kids eat to their hearts desire, they danced, and despite the 95 degree weather, we all had so much fun- Ellie was a doll and was so good the entire day. Brendan and my parents kept the drinks flowing, and let's just say it was nice to at least act like we have money- even if it was just for a day.
After the game, Third Day performed in concert and Adam LaRoche headed the Nats up with sharing their testimony. LaRoche, Span, Desmond, and Stammen all spoke about their relationship with God- and it was great for all of us to hear- And it was such a good message for our kids to hear from major leaguers. I am a huge Third Day fan- even having their c.d... so this was just icing on the cake.
I would say it was a perfect day... but the next morning when we went to wake the kids up for swim team, Addie had puked twice during the night- It was all over her bed, on Chris's arm, on herself, and even the floor. The kids were so zonked out neither of them had woken up during this... Let's just say you could see popcorn in the mess- and we're sure she had overeaten... Now, maybe the kids will understand more why we limit what they eat!:)
After the game, Third Day performed in concert and Adam LaRoche headed the Nats up with sharing their testimony. LaRoche, Span, Desmond, and Stammen all spoke about their relationship with God- and it was great for all of us to hear- And it was such a good message for our kids to hear from major leaguers. I am a huge Third Day fan- even having their c.d... so this was just icing on the cake.
I would say it was a perfect day... but the next morning when we went to wake the kids up for swim team, Addie had puked twice during the night- It was all over her bed, on Chris's arm, on herself, and even the floor. The kids were so zonked out neither of them had woken up during this... Let's just say you could see popcorn in the mess- and we're sure she had overeaten... Now, maybe the kids will understand more why we limit what they eat!:)
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