CKS Fun Run 2014

Perhaps the biggest challenge to celebrating my 40th with dear friends was the fact that I had to get up bright and early the next morning to chair the CKS Fun Run. Ever since my first foray as co-chair  four years ago (!), I have helped to organize this event. And just as I wrote back then, it has continued to be a truly fun time.

It helps that we are surrounded by happy families who genuinely enjoy being there. It's one of the first events of the school year, before we are over it all. The weather was glorious, too. And this many years in, we know or at least recognize a large percentage of the group. That's a great feeling. 

I suspect our happy feelings about the event were enhanced by the fact that Laura is now old enough to run around with friends, leaving us free to relax and chat with ours. Just imagine when she's old enough to pin on a number...

40 IS Fabuous

Tim and I had ambitious plans, or perhaps just high hopes, for 2014. After all, this is the year we both turn 40, AND we celebrate 15 years of marriage. Our plans (trip to Napa!) got postponed, but since we got a fabulous house in exchange I am not complaining.






Given the above, I didn't give much thought to my actual birthday. (And can't forget the 36-hour getaway I had this summer with my high school BFFs for the mutual occasion.) I knew Tim would come through with a cake, and honestly what more do I need? Well, Jen Pryor was having none of that! She, along with some other wonderful gals, arranged a fabulous dinner party/girls' night out. As the photos attest, I am a blessed girl (still clinging to that term, even in my 40s).






My family and friends afar rounded out my birthday for a truly memorable milestone. Thank you all!








- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Danny, Elected Official

Last week, Danny bounded into the car and announced that he had been elected by his home room as representative on the Student Council. As a second grader, this is the first year he is eligible for the role. I have always joked that Danny would be great in sales or politics, though his sensitive nature might interfere with the latter someday. The way he immediately began lobbying me to take him for ice cream to celebrate, however, suggests he really is a natural.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sunday Night Dinner

When I snapped this picture, Tim told me that we should caption it "Rack of lamb - or roasted Wolverine?" GO IRISH!

I love this photo for so many reasons. First of all, it captures the bemused, engaged look on Tim's face that I often see when he is talking to the kids, and it is one of my favorite expressions. Secondly, it shows Laura in one of her (now frequent) lively conversational moments.

But most importantly, it presents the picture of one of our treasured times as a family: Sunday night dinner. All five of us don't eat together nightly, but we make a point to do so every Sunday. Furthermore, when I look at the food on our plates, it is a reminder of how far we have come in developing our kids' palates. Rack of lamb? Asparagus? Six years ago, I never would have dreamed that we would all eat these things (okay, Danny and Laura opted for bell peppers instead of asparagus) with such relish.

Do we still have a ways to go? Always. But am I much more confident, downright joyful about cooking for the family these days? Yes. Yes I am.

A Good Email

Amidst the junk mail, retail offers and scheduling queries, I received this email today from Danny's teacher:

"Elizabeth,

I have a quiet moment and wanted to take the opportunity to tell you what a joy it is to have Danny in my class.  He is eager to learn, helps his friends and group members, and just adds a lot of fun to our classroom.

He is also so sharp!

Have a great weekend!!!"

Certainly a great beginning to the weekend!

Mommy's Little Helper

The seemingly extreme amount of time between when the big kids returned to school and when Laura will resume has had me joking (mostly) for the need for a "mother's little helper." In all fairness, though, Laura really is my little helper, and embraces the role. For example, she almost never turns down an opportunity to cook with me, and frankly is quite adept at her role (see above).

She cheerfully insists, "I'll go with you" when I announce the need for yard work, and the same goes for Tim. (A joy ride on the ridiculously oversized mower is icing on the cake.)

As frustrating as her behavior can be, I try to remind myself that it's her desire to find her place in the world, and our family, that leads to her outbursts and neediness. Nevertheless, I am counting the days when she can lend a hand to her teacher for a few hours a week...

First Day of 6th and 2nd

After the swiftest summer on record (at least for this family), it was time to head back to school. Danny was only moderately eager to begin 2nd grade, but Clare was beyond excited to start Middle School. The new uniform - no more plaid! - was particularly alluring.

Both came home with very positive reports about their teachers and classes in general, so we have high hopes for yet another great year!