Secret Club

Today I was driving down the road on the way to the pediatrician's office. I pulled up to an intersection behind a very fancy-shmancy motorcycle. It was definitely a top of the line deal, and the two people riding it were decked out in some pricey looking leather.

As we began to drive through the intersection, another motorcycle came toward us from the opposite direction. This driver was older, a little careworn, and driving an impressive looking Harley...rumbling and very low to the ground.

The two drivers and their bikes could not have been more different. Yet when they passed each other on the road, almost simultaneously, they each lifted a hand to wave. I thought to myself, how interesting that they both knew to do that. I guess when you ride bikes, no matter your lifestyle, you are in a secret club. A bike-riding society that only other bike owners can understand or join.

Later in the doctor's office I sat holding Caitlyn who was looking around with teary eyes. The mom next to me smiled at her and raised an eyebrow at me. "Shots," I told her. She gave us a sympathetic look and hitched her own baby higher on her hip.

I realized then...I have a secret club too. One of the best secret clubs. Membership is lifelong. The rewards are priceless, and once you're in... you are really IN.

Lights on the Inside

Last night we took the girls to see the Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo. They really go all out and it's a pretty cool display. All the trees are lit along the pathways, with animal light sculptures here and there. You can see monkeys jumping in the trees, and elephants spraying water. They have a wide pathway where the tallest trees are lit with lights that blink to "The Carol of the Bells."

It was fun to bundle the girls up in their hats and mittens and meander along the paths listening Christmas music. The best part was seeing their shining faces and sparkling eyes as they gazed around. It's nice when we light up our world. But I think the real magic is when our world lights US up from within.

Peace

Every year at Christmas I buy myself a new ornament for my tree. My choice usually reflects whatever hobbies or styles I'm into at the time, or whatever big things might be going on in my life. Some are more significant than others, but each holds a memory for me...is a footprint in my life's path. Every so often somebody will admire a particular ornament and ask questions that I may or may not answer, depending. I usually downplay. Some things are held so close that they become too important to speak of aloud. I wanted to share my choice this year, though.

This year I chose a sapphire blue glass ball etched with a dove design around the center. I wasn't searching, but when I saw it I knew it was the one. It was the reflection of "me" this year. To me it symbolizes peace and tranquility, and that pretty much sums up my state of being right now. I feel happy and content just to be me...living my life in my own private universe. I feel at peace.

Guilty, Guilty......Sooooo Guilty!

People may be surprised to learn this about me, but I don't always choose the straight and narrow path with the girls. Nutrition, check. Evening routines, check. Treating my children as I expect them to treat others, check. Holding back their innovation and exuberance? Not so much.

Craig thinks I'm on board. And I am! Usually. But sometimes...I just see things in a different way. I admit I am prone to be a little lenient when I think my girls are being adorably naughty.

Yesterday Jaden climbed in the Jumparoo. Yes, we have told her not to. Yes, I should have stopped her. And yes....I did see her trying to climb in out of the corner of my eye and turned away with a smile. In my defense, I didn't think she'd actually squeeze herself in that contraption! So anyway, I was right in the middle of snapping a few pics when Daddy came in and sternly told her to climb out. I rather guiltily tucked the camera behind my back and mumbled, "Oh, we didn't want her to climb in there?"

I have been caught doing this before. Last month, I spied Jaden climbing up to look out the window and since she seemed like she was surrounded by padding anyway, I thought, "What the hell?" Is it all that bad that I saw it as a photo op, really??

I don't know. I watch that girl like a hawk, and intervene when I know she's likely to get hurt. But I just love and admire her adventurous spirit. I don't really know how many "No, no Jadens" it would take before she stops, well... stops trying. I don't want to find out either.

Happy Birthday Jaden!!

Today marks another 365 days of tickle games, belly laughs, utensils thrown overboard, books read, bottom and nose wipings, "Elmo's Song", bootie dancin', ABC's, 1,2,3..timeout, upside down...boom!, lullabies, and "Eye-yuh-yoo!!"

Thank you, thank you, thank you, universe... for letting me see this day when so many mamas and babies don't make it this far.

Happy Birthday Jaden Michelle!

Christmas Trees and Menorahs

Both coexist in our living room now.
As do we.

Family "Fun"

I was leafing through my latest issue of Family Fun magazine and I'm having some serious Stay at Home Mommy envy here. I do believe Disney created this entire magazine just to screw with me. Just to taunt me with the idea that, with enough effort, I too can be Supermom of the neighborhood. My home can be filled with the smells of gingerbread and spiced oranges. I can snap those photos of MY kids making thumbprint reindeer and marshmallow snowmen ornaments. Family Fun is chock full of recipes, crafts, and social gathering extravaganza ideas.

Back to reality. In my house, Jaden would shove the cloves up her nose and Caitlyn would eat the snowman glitter sparkles. Christian would gleefully use a black Sharpie to design a Nightmare Before Christmas ornament and place it front and center among my crystal treasures. I suppose Kharli would have some fun making cookies, though. I'll need to pick up a tube of slice and bake sugar cookie dough. And should I choose to video this Family Funfest, I feel quite certain that Craig will either burp or fart in the background.

I'm sure there's something in there for us though. As we count down to the holidays I will turn to my December issue for inspiration. Too bad the only time I have to read it is in the bathroom while toddler fingers wiggle under the door.