Specs

Finally, after many years with the same glasses, I ordered a new pair after my annual eye exam last week. Since I have plenty of contacts on hand and since I splurged on prescription sunglasses last year, I decided to put my vision insurance allotment toward new frames. 

"Wow! I guess you have had this pair since 2009!" the optician verified. 

No.  Not exactly.  I had the lenses replaced in 2009.  The frames were purchased in 2002, meaning they have been worn for 11 years. How I resisted the urge to drag them behind my car on the way home is a mystery.  Oddly, I guess they are still kind of in style because there were similar pairs sitting on the optical showroom floor.

But so now I am in the honeymoon phase with the new frames (Salt's Lileo in "blonde Havana"), and I want to wear them constantly.  Salt is to optics what Apple is to the computer so it's no surprise that I love them. 

Softball Senior Night

My niece's last softball game was Friday night, and they celebrated the five graduating seniors following the game.  Although there are some potential play-off games, this was the final game of the regular season, thus concluding Lexie's high school softball career. 

The duo are always excited to get to watch Lexie play, and William George had a wonderful time running around like a madman. 

After a great game (during which they trounced the competition), the seniors were recognized while parents beamed.  (Proud dad was out of town working, having previously used all of his "favors" during band season.)

The trio made for some interesting outtakes, but they were able to pull it together for a posed shot with our softball star.  

I didn't think it was possible, but the duo left the game thinking Lexie is an even bigger rockstar than ever before.  (William George only has eyes for dirt! And grass!)

We are incredibly proud to help celebrate Lexie's last days as a high school senior.  Kudos to Lexie on a job very well done!

Enumerated Update

We are having some awesome spring weekends, complete with softball games and winding-down-the-school-year activities.  Here's where we are:

1) Escapee: William George likes to be with his nuclear family at all times.  Therefore, on Sunday mornings when he is dropped off in his nursery class, he is not altogether happy about it.  Skip took the girls to their class yesterday while I took George to his class.  We said our goodbyes, and I left.  When I was almost to the end of the hallway, I heard a couple of people shout, "George! GEORGE!!!"  When I turned, I saw William George, who had escaped, running down the hallway - head back, arms pumping - as fast as he could.  When I picked him up, he truly thought he was home free... until I deposited him in his class again.  :( 

2) Mommy as an adjective: Last week there was a bit of an uproar when the WSJ published an article about Mom 2.0, and cast the conference in a less than flattering light, effectively dismissing "mompreneuers" (otherwise known as small business owners).  Emmy-winning writer and Mom 2.0 co-founder Laura Mayes struck back, first with correspondence to the WSJ and then with an article addressing the dismissive nature of using "mommy" as an adjective. 

3) Softball: We went to see Alexandria's, my niece, softball game Friday night.  Have you seen high school softball lately?  Those girls do not play around.  Maybe our frame of reference has shifted since we have been watching t-ball, but we were surprised by the level of play.  More on our fun night later. 

4) Lingo: A few weeks ago I mentioned the humor I find in business buzz words and have another one for you.  Have you been to meetings attended by individuals who contribute nothing and for whom the purpose of his/her presence is unclear?  "Room meat" is the term to describe the extra bodies in the room. 

Example:
"Is the guy in blue the project manager?"
"No. Mark's the project manager, and he was at my right. I didn't catch the blue shirt's name...  probably just room meat."

5) Zinsser: William Zinsser's latest endeavor, writing coach turned listener, is fascinating.  When his vision failed, he invited friends and former clients to bring him projects, concluding with:

"I'm eager to hear from you. No project too weird."

Such an awesome and irresistible invitation, and I'm quite sure he has more work than he can manage.

And that's it for us? What is happening with you?

Spin

Previously, I posted that toddlers laugh squillions of times throughout each day.  William George definitely meets his quota and engages in enough hijinks to help me hit a high number of laughs as well.  However, he will not perform for the camera - not even a little.

One of his more routine hobbies is to stand in the laundry room while the wash cycle spins.  He likes to dance along to the spin sounds. In a rare showing of cooperation, he didn't entirely cease his activities when I reached for my phone.



Spin from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.

Happy Friday!

PS:  I have no idea why the thumbnail is sideways.

Friday's Quote

The greater part of our happiness depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances.

-Martha Washington

In the Eye of the Beholder

I read Jack Welch's first book when it was released in 2004.  While describing his upbringing, he explained that his confidence was largely instilled by his parents, who told him frequently that he was handsome, capable, etc.  My parents gave me a similar gift, in that they told me daily, often multiple times, that I was beautiful, regardless of what I was wearing or how put-together (or not, as was more often the case) I was.  Skip's parents did the same for him.  While there may be some aspects of my appearance I would change, if I were given a magic wand, mostly I am accepting, and I have those earliest, encouraging words to thank for that.

Before I had my son, I would have said that we feel a special obligation to be sure we tell our daughters the obvious, that they are beautiful -- stunningly so, but that obligation so clearly extends to William George.  Self-confidence and positive self-esteem is the foundation for a healthy outlook and is not gender specific. We say this not to be superficial (after all, beauty is as beauty does, and the interior workings and motivations matter so much more), but simply to build up and keep insecurities at bay.  The real world can be critical, and they will be tempted to be their own worst critics at some point. We merely try to state the obvious in the hopes that it becomes an integral part of their core.  

With these thoughts in mind, I was fascinated with the latest Dove campaign. The Dove Real Beauty Sketches document an experience in which a sketch artist creates two drawings: the first is based on self-description, while the second is based on another person's description.  The exercise reveals how critically we sometimes view our own appearance.  To me, however, this demonstrates what happens when we view things positively versus critically or negatively.  When we focus on the positive, we see beauty.




 Believe your parents/spouse/friends tell you, and choose to see the positive.

WGL - 21 Months

Dear William George,

You turned 21 months old on April 12th, and are as handsome as ever.  This past Sunday, after church, Skip said, "You know, I think he knows he's cute.  That he can just smile and get away with things."

Yes.  That is the essence of you, and that strategy works on the four people sharing a home with you.

This is said with each update, but this is probably my favorite time.  You are incredible!  You know all body parts, you know basic colors, you are learning shapes, and you can count to 10.  You can literally say anything, and your vocabulary is extensive.  Your favorite sentences are:

Thank you very much.
Gracie's in trouble.
Lauren's in trouble.
I love you.
I missed you.
Turn it off.
I have it?
Give it back.
George's turn.
You ok momma? (or dada, YuYu or Gracie)

As for your gross motor skills, you are simply "wide open," often running at a full spring, rarely walking, and jumping.... and jumping... and jumping.  You love to climb stairs, and you recently conquered the play ground slide.  You love to jump on beds and the furniture. In the fine motor skills department, you have been feeding yourself with a fork since you were 14 months old, and you color, write, and draw well.  

You still love music and dancing.  Your favorite objects are your cloths, giraffe, Snoopy collection, truck, and books.  You adore your sisters, and the feeling is mutual.  They each say numerous times throughout the day, "He's so cute!"  

William George, we love you more than ever.  (We'll buy new furniture and mattresses.)  

Love, 

Mommy

Daily Photo

Gracie

Lauren's Milestones - Second Lost Tooth

As those familiar with the situation can attest, Lauren has been exceptionally gracious over the last few months while watching Gracie lose tooth after tooth and have frequent visits from the Tooth Fairy. Of course, that isn't to say her graciousness was effortless. No, only by dint of (self) discipline was she able to congratulate her sister repeatedly.

This photo from December captures her response to Gracie's recurrent euphoria.

 Anyrate... we are all about putting out positive feelings, and she is reaping the rewards. Last Friday (for accuracy, April 12th), Lauren climbed into the car and announced she had lost her second tooth at school that day. Because the loss occurred on the play ground, she was unable to locate the tooth, although she and Gracie searched diligently. That night we wrote a note to the Tooth Fairy:

Dear Tooth Fairy,

I lost a tooth!  Lauren lost a tooth! I can't find it.  I was at school. It was lost there. I love you so much. 

Love,
Lauren

I helped Lauren find it. I'm sure if she can't find it, the Tooth Fairy will leave money for her, Gracie and George. 

Love, 
Gracie


 Lauren found her responsive correspondence the next morning:

She is enjoying her time in the spotlight.

And Grace-bug is learning some lessons about being happy for others.  Overall, she is doing well.

I'm sure the Tooth Fairy would be pleased.

Daily Photo

Lauren

Enumerated Update

Hi, friends.  Let's hope this week is lighthearted and a week of healing for those who need it, yes?  In the meantime, here's where we are:

1)  Boston and Texas: Our prayers continue for the families of the fallen and for the injured.

This slideshow of Friday's manhunt reveals what living in Watertown was like last Friday.  A snippet from one interview really stuck with me. A resident was describing being sheltered under the bed with his family, and I could not even begin to imagine keeping my three children underneath our bed for an hour while gunfire rang out through our neighborhood.  We salute our Boston neighbors and are in awe of their spirit. 

2)  Optimism: In response to last week, posting will resume here as usual.  The mission of this site is to document and celebrate the daily minutia of our lives at this juncture.  We are called to be a light, and we will try to be exactly that, especially when darkness falls. 

3)  Lately: The first reviews of Before Midnight are out and are raves.  In addition to that film, we are also eagerly awaiting the Gatsby remake.  Speaking of, I went through an F. Scott Fitzgerald phase in the late 90's, and this collection of book covers makes me wants to revisit a few of his works.  Since I no longer have the luxury of time to re-read books, I may settle for the movie. 

What is happening with you?

Daily Photo

"Yump-Yump"

Happy Friday

Friday's Quote

You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who can do nothing for them.

-Malcolm Forbes

Today's quote is in honor of our friend, Ms. Jennifer Sharp, who was taken unexpectedly from us this week.  Ms. Jennifer worked in the infant nursery at our church and kept the duo and, later, William George.  Although our children moved on from her class quickly, we touched base with her each and every week, and she has always been one of our favorite people at church.  We will miss her terribly.

Friday's Quote

Character is built daily by the way one thinks and acts - thought by thought, action by action.

-Helen Douglas

Daily Photo

The Trio

One Sunday in March

 

These photos were just discovered from the beginning of March, pre-Easter, pre-white shoes and pre-spring clothing.  The trio were in a great mood that day and were feeling especially camera friendly.

After church and a quick change of clothing, William George decided to share his truck.  This is a very big step for George, as he struggles with sharing. 

 

There were a few initial spats, but all arguments were put aside for the greater good. 

There's a lesson to be learned from children at play.

Status

Given the nature of personal blogs, it might be hard to believe that I'm someone who prefers to avoid any and all drama.  After all, blogs can be all me-me-me.  (Although, to be fair, I would love to hear from you, and it's not hard at all to comment, my sweet friend.)

For those who know me well, you know how much I abhor drama and avoid it with every fiber of my being.  Therefore, I hope to explain this week's absence with as little drama as possible.  I had a dental appointment yesterday for a fairly routine-type procedure.   Unfortunately, this procedure has been plagued by Murphy's Law in that everything that could go wrong has.  Yesterday, though, set a new standard because I sustained injury at the dentist... injury to an uninvolved tooth.  In analyzing the how's/what's/why's of these events, I very much have the feeling I am in a Seinfeld episode where all involved parties have these peculiar (and alarming) backgrounds and stories.

Obviously, I am  hopeful that this situation is very minor and that we can all have a good laugh in the very near future.  I know it's just a tooth and that there will be an appropriate treatment course.  Currently, though, I'm a little grouchy (just being honest), and am going to take some time to regroup...and see a new dentist.

Boston

This is yet another senseless act of violence that has rendered me speechless.  Our prayers are with the families who lost loved ones, with the individuals injured and maimed, and with everyone otherwise affected by this horrific act.

Ballet 2013

The duo received their new recital leotards last week at dance, and the parents were treated to a quick exhibition.

 

Fun fact: Skip was in Phoenix last week so I had William George with me.  He played with some toys with fellow friends during their class, but I was worried about his behavior once we were in the studio to watch the class dance. 

Novelty + inhibition = a well-behaved George (whew!).  He stood calmly at my side and did his bounce-dance moves along with the class.

 

As for the dancers, they were amazing. 

They were lovely and graceful, and they were genuinely enjoying themselves.  As a plus, they thought it was really cool that George saw them dance, and I've never been so grateful for his good behavior. 

Friday's Quote

I might have been born in a hovel, but I am determined to travel with the wind and the stars.

-Jacqueline Cochran

How We Roll

"Cloth"

William George's attachment object (other than Snoopy) are the cloths newborns use for "burp cloths" and other spills. These are left over from the girls' infancy so, luckily, we have about two dozen of them. These cloths function as half security blanket and half chew toy.

He sleeps with his beloved "clowwwf" or "cloffie" and sometimes walks around with two or three at a time.  As mentioned previously, he only shares his cloths with Snoopy.

Lately George has really been interest in "Elmo and the Bookaneers," an old DVD he inherited from the duo.  Lauren and Gracie watched that movie hundreds of times, and that the disc is not worn out is a mystery.  He has several favorite parts.  Certainly, the cameo with Tina Fey is the centerpiece of the compilation, but William George has a crush on Abby Cadabby.  Sure, he adores Elmo, Cookie and Grover, but he loves Abby.  Abby performs a song in Bookaneers, and George will stop whatever he is doing when he hears Abby's song start.  He simply stares, transfixed at her image on the screen.  Yesterday I saw him walk to the television and offer her his cloth during the song.  His cloth! 

We have identified George's first (non-family) love.