Breakthrough

I apologize up front - this is going to be another vague post. Without going into much (really any) detail, I feel many revelations have been come to and much of what has been unclear has become more clear. I am grateful for progress, and for the hope that more progress will continue to be made.

Perfect Fall Day

Today the weather was absolutely perfect. It was chilly in the morning, but by midday we were in the 60s. The sun was shining, the air was cool but not cold. The leaves have gone from falling slowly to suddenly cascading down and covering the ground. It's supposed to be getting much colder in the next couple days, and at this point in the year who knows when we'll see this kind of mild weather again. We unfortunately couldn't enjoy the weather quite as much as we would have liked, as it was a dance day, but we savored every minute we were able to spend outside, trying to appreciate what may be the last mild - and for this Texan, perfect - fall day.

Babysitter Love

This afternoon I had to get a few cavities filled, so two of our "big girl" dance friends came over to watch the girls. One of them, Wendy, may be one of Jocelyn's favorite people in the world. I wish I had videotaped her reaction when I told her Wendy was coming - there are no words to adequately describe the squeals and jumping up and down in excitement. When Wendy walked in the door, Jocie just leapt into Wendy's arms and gave her the biggest, tightest hug she was able to. I love that my daughters have older girls they admire and enjoy spending time with. I equally appreciate just how much these older girls love my kids. I obviously think my kids are fantastic, but that doesn't mean I expect everyone to feel the same way. I hope these special relationships are ones we can hold onto at least a little as the girls get older.

True Friendship

This morning I was sitting at my computer doing some work while glancing out the window every now and then. At one point when I looked out across the street I saw Ava walking with her friend and our next door neighbor Adia. The two were walking with their arms around each other, laughing and conversing. I was struck at how comfortable and natural the two of them looked - I mean, how many 6- and 8-year-olds walk around with their arms around each other? They are such dear friends, and I am very grateful that Ava has a special relationship like this one in her life.

Fall Back... Beautifully

Last night we turned the clocks back. When Ava was little I would always make sure I knew at least a week ahead of when we would change the clocks so I could gradually move bedtime and ease into the adjustment. A few years and a few kids later, I never remember until just before bedtime that the time will change the next day. I went to bed last night having changed all the clocks, including the clock in the girls' room that lights up when it's time for them to get out of bed. While I set the clock the full hour back, I set the time they could get out of bed only 45 minutes back, so as not to ask too much of them the first morning.

Turns out, once again, I have the best kids in the world. Ava and Jocelyn woke up at 7am - the new 7am. Molly slept even later than that. There was no child awake at 5am. The transition could not have been more seamless; it was incredible. What an amazing way to start the day! Rested, happy, and adjusted to the new time, we all started the day off in a great place that set the tone for a terrific Sunday.

Molly the Singer

I think I've said this before, but just about every time Molly wakes up, be it first thing in the morning or after naptime, she starts singing to herself. This afternoon when I went to open her door so she could get up from her nap, she said, "Momma, you messed up my song!" I replied that I had only wanted to listen to her sing her song - would she sing it for me? Not only did she sing it, she began dancing and creating this very elaborate performance. I got my camera and recorded just a bit of it.

Of course, my computer is not being cooperative and allowing me to post the video this evening, but hopefully I'll have better luck tomorrow. She was quite the show and was so very proud of herself. It was an entertaining and enjoyable few minutes, without a doubt.

Halloween Hangover

It was clear within the first few minutes of waking up this morning that my goal for the day would be simple: do all I could to make sure my family and I avoided the dreaded holiday hangover, when everyone is sluggish and generally grumpy because a holiday is past and we must now return to normal life. I have to say we succeeded pretty well! Ava had the fun of a Pajama Day at school to look forward to:

My day was made bright with the arrival of my big pink box, full of supplies and goodies to kick-start my new Thirty-One venture.

Jocelyn and Molly struggled a bit more than the rest of us today. They were on a crazy roller coaster of emotions both on their own and when interacting with each other. Several times they were pushing each other's buttons like crazy. But I caught this moment of the two of them playing school and drawing on our easel together:

They were quiet, happy, and playing in close proximity - a rare event indeed. I'd say we all managed to handle our Halloween hangovers well and can now look forward to a fun and relaxing weekend.