Back In The Saddle

About a week a go it hit me, I think I might be back in the Saddle.

After coming off the summer of losing my father and all that encompasses that, I felt like July was a fog.  August came and I started cooking, going to the grocery store, getting back slowly into the routine of life- or at least the motions..  Now don't get me wrong- there are still nights I can't sleep, days where the lump won't get out of my throat, & I tear up at the faintest thought, but the other day I felt like I had a little bit of a break through.
I offered to keep my dear friend Emily's kids while she ran some last minute errands before their trip to the beach. I picked up my camera (something I hadn't done since May for Anna Caroline's birthday) and took pictures.

Mary Stewart adores Durham.  We are thankful to have such a handy friend to help us fix our car!

I can't quite describe it, but as I watched our children enjoy each other I felt like for the first time in a while I was back in the saddle.  Just a normal Friday morning.  Enjoying cute kids playing together, picking up around my house, making a picnic lunch- nothing extraordinary, just normal Donald living.  Thankful that though I'm never really "in the saddle"- meaning I never have it totally all together, thankful to feel kinda like I am.

Some days Anna Caroline spends lots of time snacking, as it is the ONLY place I can contain her besides her bed!!!

I tried desperately to get a picture of the "Caroline's" but as you can see mine would have nothing of it. These girls are about 6 months apart, but in about another year, that will seem like no time at all!

Speaking of the saddle- Preschool started this week.  I better get my saddle ready, because I have a feeling this horse is about to take off.........

Know the song from the 80's- wild wild west something or other, the line that comes to my mind is "love her wild wild hair"

A Star is Born

Today a star was born.  Well actually she has been a star since day 1.  But today made it official.  Today Mary Stewart had her first ballet class.

A few weeks ago I told Aunt Rachel (who was a ballerina also) that Mary Stewart would be taking Ballet this fall.  She immediately asked if she and Brian could get Mary Stewart her ballet ensemble for her birthday.  I immediately said YES!  On a little tangent...... Last week Mary Stewart asked me when I was going to take her to get her slippers so she could be a ballerina.  I told her Aunt Rachel & Uncle B were getting them for her because Aunt Rachel was a ballerina; with the widest eyes Mary Stewart replied "Aunt Rachel is a REAL ballerina".  Thought it was precious.   Well on Monday I realized ballet started today and not next Wednesday.  Thankfully Dee Dee helped overnight a package and walla the world was saved.

This morning we went on a walk and when we returned the packaged had arrived.  As soon as she saw her shoes, tights, & leotard she immediately wanted to be full assembled.  It's hard for an almost 3 year old to understand it's 9:30 am and the ensemble isn't meant until 4:30.  She pranced around some time in her leotard and shoes until I bribed her somehow to take it off.

As soon as she was up from her nap, she immediately wanted to get dressed.  

Virginia & Mary Stewart before class!

As soon as she stepped foot in class she immediately began dancing!

She found the barre & was a natural!

"Look momma I am a ballerina"

Libby, Allen, Virginia & Mary Stewart (Lily Kate you were missed)

 I would have to say today seemed like a success.  

Who is excited for a recital in May?

 

Baby Anna Caroline

Baby Anna Caroline isn't so much a baby anymore.  Where has our time gone?  At 14 months 1 week I would consider her full fledged walking.  As long as she is moving she is happy.  Thankfully the more she walks, the less she climbs.  She is still long and lean.  I'm thinking she may be around 22 or 23 pounds.  We still have ONLY 4 teeth, but I am thinking we are working on some new ones.

Anna Caroline is now insisting on feeding herself.  Don't you dare think you could hold the spoon and feed her.  Miss Independent.  

I love hearing her & Mary Stewart giggle in the other room.  They are playing more more everyday.  She truly has such a sweet spirit, complemented with feisty independence.

I wouldn't have her any other way!!!!