Chasing Fireflies

Watching them, so excited, so full of joy, brings me back. I have fond memories of chasing fireflies, cupping my hands and watching them glow. I couldn't get enough - and neither can they, it seems. 

I'm happy to let them stay up later, so that they can remember these lazy, warm, firefly-filled summer evenings. They're the best, aren't they?

                                           

Eric's Graduation

Eric made us proud on Friday when he graduated from Ms. Nancy's preschool. Not because he graduated, but because he behaved himself far better than we expected. Last year at this time, we cringed/laughed when he sang his own opera instead of following along with the rest of the kids. Last year, he played to the crowd, and he had parents cracking up. A friend of mine who showed the video to her extended family mentioned to me how much everyone "enjoyed Eric's performance". Ah, yes. Eric and his performances . . . what mixed feelings I have about those . . . 

This time, he was serious and focused. He followed along and did his best, and it was good to see. While I'm sad to see our time at Ms. Nancy's come to an end, I'm so glad to know that Eric has grown up in the last year. In the fall, when he goes to kindergarten, I'm less concerned about how he'll handle himself, and that is a relief. 

Side note: Ms. Nancy hands out awards at the end of the year, highlighting every child's strength. Eric got the "Engineer Award" for his constant building while at school. Aunt Christine and Uncle Andre will be proud!

Our Toad

The story goes something like this - Sarah had an early release day a couple of weeks ago, and we picked Eric up from Ms. Nancy's preschool. There were several toads hopping around, and the kids were catching them. (Eric is really good at this, I've noticed. He's fast and doesn't hesitate, and his "catch rate" is probably 4 out of 5.) Well, there he was, holding a toad in his hands, showing it off to all his friends. Ms. Nancy generously offered the toad to us, and in a weak moment, I said yes. We did some quick research and went to pet store to get supplies and food. I never thought I'd have a pet who eats live animals, but I've honestly enjoyed watching him. We find grubs, worms, crickets, slugs, and anything else we think he'd like to eat and then watch the show. He's an impressive hunter, watching, waiting, and then pouncing. 

I still have some ethical issues about whether we should keep our little friend. (Basically, I wonder if he's "truly happy", knowing that he came from the wide open world and is now sitting in a tank in our dining room.) We'll see how long this lasts, but for now we're enjoying our own small live version of a National Geographic program.

Brian's 40th Birthday

We celebrated Brian's 40th birthday today, with fettucini alfredo and chocolate cupcakes. Sarah's card included drawings of a squid, an angler, and an octopus. She also gave him several paper presents - a set of hands, a mouth, a bracelet and a heart. Eric made him a bunch of Lego inventions, including a box with fire in it. His card was random, as usual, and included a "connect-the-dots" puzzle for Brian to play later. (What I find interesting is that Sarah's card and presents were even more random than Eric's this time - that one's a first.) I wasn't as creative (or weird), and I went with a store bought card, some beer, and some snacks. I think he appreciated and was entertained by it all.

Maggie and Scarlet

We had a lot fun with these two girls. If I could keep up with this blog, I would have posted these photos quite awhile ago and shared the happy smiles that were on my kids' faces for the entire week that we dog-sat Maggie. Scarlet was the icing on the cake. They've been talking about the dogs ever since, although Eric is still a huge Lucy fan. I've decided that Sarah (I'm sorry to say) would love to have her very own pocket-sized dog. She kept picking up Scarlet every chance she got - and I kept telling her to put the poor puppy down (gently, and right now!) 

 

Rugged Maniac

Before the race

After the race 

I donated my shoes to a good cause. They'll go to someone in need far, far away.

My new bottom line for a race - they need to have a giant slide at the end!

Brian's new Facebook photo. Nothing better than a man in tight leopard shorts.

Except for four men, looking so serious and wearing superhero underpants. 

She didn't run the race, and this wasn't a costume! She was in charge of the over-21 crowd. I don't have to tell you, really, but the people-watching was almost as good as the race. 

Finding Balance

I'm enjoying my entry into the work world, and there are many moments in each week that I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity. At times, I can hardly believe my luck - I get to work with plants, and to support others' introduction to growing food. How amazing is that? At this point in my life, I don't think I could find a better fit.

But that doesn't mean I'm finding this transition easy. To put it bluntly - eight hours of manual labor makes me tired. And it makes me miss my kids. I feel torn and unsure about whether this opportunity is the best choice for our family. For the most part, Sarah and Eric are adjusting well, but when they have long days, we all feel their exhaustion. Brian is incredibly supportive - but I know he's tired too.

We're all adjusting, learning about how to find time and space to continue to do what we love, as well as learning to let go, when those things we love don't happen as often. This new life is more demanding, but we're working through it, and I hope that (for the most part) we'll be better for it.