Life Without Training Wheels

Today Max learned to ride his bike without training wheels.

Actually, it turns out that he already knew how to ride his bike without training wheels, but the training wheels had been there as a kind of crutch. He didn't need them. As soon as I took them off, and Daddy gave him a big push, he was flying! He just rode... and it was amazing to watch his confidence soar.

Now, we're still working on starting up by himself, getting the momentum. And, navigating turns is still a bit tricky. But, when he feels like he's in trouble, or headed toward something he can't avoid, he gleefully heads into the grass and falls rather gracefully off the bike.

Wish I would do that - face something big, stop using whatever crutch I've devised for myself, and just go for it... fly with full confidence, knowing that if I need to, I can just fall.

The whole situation reminds me of a quote from one of my favorite movies, Better Off Dead.

"Go that way, really fast. If something gets in your way, turn."

Bad Day, Good Day

Bad: Another one of my mom's kittens died. Sigh. That is the third kitten in a month. First- she was given a feral kitten whose mother was hit by a car, the kitten had some horrible anemia and died almost before she knew it was sick, but not before my two kiddos had completely bonded with Sugar and I had taken 20 photos.

Second and Third - Adopted from the Seminole County Animal Shelter, picked out by my kids with her help. Named them Black and Whiskers, they came home with the viral respiratory infection that is rampant in shelters, apparently. After a trip to the vet first-thing (and sub-cutaneous fluids), she had to hand-feed them goat's milk and sardines, they seemed to improve, they started eating and frolicking, so the kids bonded. Yesterday, she woke to find Black had died during the night, brought Whiskers to the vet where she was put in ICU and given more fluids, only to die today.

I keep having to have these difficult conversations with Max. He's actually okay though. He has a serene attitude about it, and suggested yesterday that maybe Meemaw should get a grown-up cat who is stronger.

But, it still makes him sad, and it is hard for me to have watched him get so excited and fall in love the first time, only to distance himself a bit with the next two, and now to be somewhat resigned. I want him to have the experience of interacting and bonding with a pet without fearing it is going to die immediately. Darn those husband allergies!

Good: My friend Kristin visited with her brand-new son Logan. He is adorable and strong and sweet-tempered, and she looks so happy and glowing! I got to hold him for quite a while, which always puts me in a baby love mood, just what I needed today.

Also good: I heard that one of my best friends has a new job. Not an easy feat in this job market, and she's thrilled and excited, and so am I! (Of course, mine is somewhat selfish, as her new schedule will allow our families to spend more time together. Yay!)

And, always good: My children made me laugh, I didn't yell (much), and I made a delicious dinner. The little things are really the big things.

It's My Dance Party and I'll Cry If I Want To

So, my darling husband gets rather bemused and befuddled when I cry for "no reason".

Like last night, we're out with our friends at Downtown Disney (anyone remember when that was called Disney Village?), and we've had a yummy dinner at the Earl of Sandwich (fantastic tomato soup and the All American - yum!). They've set up a kids' area where the spurting fountain sprays little ones with water during the summer, but instead of the water, they're having a kids' dance party.

Lots of little kids, running around and dancing wildly to Hannah Montana and the like, flinging hula hoops and waving inflatable plastic guitars. Then "We've Got the Beat" comes on, and all of us start bopping. Do children today even know that song?

Anyway, our kiddos ran to join in the fun, and we had a fantastic time, just watching them run and jump and boogie. Max rocked out on some inflatable strings, while Emma stood mostly on the sidelines, hands in pockets of her tiny jeans, wiggling from side to side and taking it all in. Every few minutes, she'd glance back at us, then come running to hug Daddy's legs tightly for a moment, then run right back to the circle.

The air was cool and crisp. The wind blew softly. Max paused, mid-guitar-riff, for effect, as he screwed up his face in a "rock n' roll" look. Emma's face was wild joy as she ran and laughed. It was all so perfect. They were precious, and their beauty overwhelmed my heart.

So, okay, I cried. My love and happiness were suddenly overwhelming, too big for my heart and mind to contain. So they leaked out a bit. It happens. But definitely not for "no reason". Only for the most important reason - love, joy, utter contentment. Simply being absolutely happy in that moment, and thoroughly grateful for the awareness of it.

I am so thankful for them. So thankful for him. So thankful for those moments and those tears.

Shout Out to the Dedicated Dad

Here's a semi-public THANK YOU to my wonderful hubby, who watched the kiddos for four days and three nights, just so I could scrapbook. I had a fantastic, kick-ass retreat filled with tasty food, fun times with my dear friends, tons of dedicated scrapbooking time, and very little sleep.

I love being able to get away from the daily routine and just focus all of my energy on the process of creating. It fulfills me, and lifts my spirits, and reminds me to appreciate all of my moments.

I always emerge inspired and full of enthusiasm - a great way to head into autumn and the holiday season!

Thank you sweetie!