I woke up this morning, sat out on the deck and looked out over the National Park and Shadow Mountain Reservoir. The osprey were soaring over the lake, no doubt catching their breakfast. My Brown Eyed Girl showed Mr Blue Eyes how to drop pine needles through a knot hole in the deck floor in their pajamas. Boji laid sprawled out in the early morning sun chewing on a stick. The rest of my family sleeping in.
I feel so luck to be in this moment. So lucky for new beginnings, a new morning with my family, but most of all for my life.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Toofers
Today I can't help but ask myself where the time goes. The greatest part of being a parent is nurturing your children and watching them grow.
In 16 short months Mr Blue Eyes has evolved from a tiny limp noodle in my arms to a walking, screeching, laughing, borderline toddler. He's learning to color and hold a crayon, open doors, express his wants, likes and dislikes - it's pretty easy to tell when he is not happy. My sweet little boy has entered the hitting phase. It's very calculated and planned out. He cocks his arm back, wrinkles up his brow and with all his might unleashes his furry accompanied by a fierce grunt. When that arm gets cocked back, you know he means business. I am a little fearful at times. He has a temper like someone I know. And it's NOT the author.
Business or not, it's everything I can do to suppress the giggles.
I just want to scoop him up and squeeze him.
I know it's poor behavior. But it's so darn cute.
Every attempt at sparking his own independence radiates a smile from deep within my core. My little blue eyed boy is getting so big. Budding with personality.
His recent accomplishment... brushing his own teeth.
He watches Sissy stand on my little bench in the bathroom each night and brush her teeth. The other morning while I was getting ready, he pointed at the tooth brushes and attempted to climb up on the stool. I gave him a boost, turned on the water and handed him his tooth brush.
No demonstration needed.
He's been watching, taking notes and waiting for his chance to brush his own toofers.
He's so cute!
In 16 short months Mr Blue Eyes has evolved from a tiny limp noodle in my arms to a walking, screeching, laughing, borderline toddler. He's learning to color and hold a crayon, open doors, express his wants, likes and dislikes - it's pretty easy to tell when he is not happy. My sweet little boy has entered the hitting phase. It's very calculated and planned out. He cocks his arm back, wrinkles up his brow and with all his might unleashes his furry accompanied by a fierce grunt. When that arm gets cocked back, you know he means business. I am a little fearful at times. He has a temper like someone I know. And it's NOT the author.
Business or not, it's everything I can do to suppress the giggles.
I just want to scoop him up and squeeze him.
I know it's poor behavior. But it's so darn cute.
Every attempt at sparking his own independence radiates a smile from deep within my core. My little blue eyed boy is getting so big. Budding with personality.
His recent accomplishment... brushing his own teeth.
He watches Sissy stand on my little bench in the bathroom each night and brush her teeth. The other morning while I was getting ready, he pointed at the tooth brushes and attempted to climb up on the stool. I gave him a boost, turned on the water and handed him his tooth brush.
No demonstration needed.
He's been watching, taking notes and waiting for his chance to brush his own toofers.
He's so cute!
Such a big boy!
Well done Mr Blue Eyes!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Trading Horses For Balloons
The last two weeks have been like a dream. Not in a floating above the sky, flying with the birds kind of dream. More of a I-can't-believe-this-is-really-happening and I-can't-believe-that-I-actually-did-it kind of dream. Two weeks ago, I finally stood up for myself and decided I needed a drastic change in my life. I resigned from my position as the Youth & Family Programs and Marketing Coordinator for the Arabian Horse Association.
After six years with the Association, it was finally time to move on. I don't really want to dwell on the details, but sometimes enough, is enough. I have had my fill of sacred cows.
Regardless of the lows, I truly will miss this job. In a way, it was my once in a life time job. My entire life has revolved around horses. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to submerge my whole self in the horse industry. Like every other teenage girl, I once dreamed of being a veterinarian.
In college, I thought I really wanted to be a professional horse trainer. I still fancy the idea but realize that for the average person, it doesn't really pay the bills, it's not always family friendly (especially for women), and it can physically be a really hard life. I did learn while I was a trainer that I loved working with people, especially kids, and their horses. At the tail end of my college days, I fell in love with 4-H and extension work. I really wanted to become a 4-H county agent. I was passionate about kids, horse and educational programs. Unfortunately, there weren't any open positions in Colorado when I graduated and I didn't want to relocate away from my family - okay, and Handy Man.
I spent some time managing a restaurant right after college, but I missed the horses. I was offered another training position and spent half a year working horses - I would rather be a drifter in a saddle than passing time behind a bar.
Somewhere along the way, I found myself getting hired for AHA as a Customer Service Representative. I assumed it would be just another stepping stone along my path of figuring out what I was going to do with my life. And it was. Only it was a step in the right direction. The direction of kids and horses.
Regardless of my frustrations and the problems at AHA, I have to say that I learned so much there. I was a part of so many great events. I met so many wonderful families. I was able to watch amazing horses. I made so many friends.
But most of all, I mentored some of the most accomplished, dedicated young equine enthusiasts around.
As I sift though my mind, nostalgia surrounds me and I can't help but know I am going to deeply, to the center of my core, miss it all.
I didn't get to attend the Derby, but I was able to visit Churchill Downs for the first time and take a few of my youth kids with me.
This was probably my favorite place I got to visit, because of my job.
We toured the museum.
I raced a stallion out of the gates.
We saw Secretariats blanket of roses.
We stood at the rail, right at the finish line and were amazed at the feeling. And although it was quiet, the stands empty, by heart settled in my throat.
A check of the old bucket list.
I met a lot of people along the way. Horsemen and women, industry professionals, breeders... I met so many people around the country and internationally - all because of the horse.
I always enjoyed planning the March Board meeting every spring. I was able to show these kids from all over the US and Canada my home state. I chaperoned around 25 kids for three days and really get to now them. Over the years I took them on a tour of the equine facility at Colorado State University (my Alma Mater.)
Red Rocks Amphitheater was a hit the first time that I took this year's board there in March.
The US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
Call me Wonder Woman...
I even braved the Denver light rail system the last two years in order to haul 25+ teenage girls down town on a Friday night so we could have our Board Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe Denver. 2011 was a sight. I was 7 months pregnant, all by myself, mother hen in full swing as I corralled a bunch of gawking, yapping girls down 16th Street. I was amazed I didn't end up in premature labor from the stress.
Such a great group of kids I have been fortunate enough to get to know.
We laughed, they wore silly costumes...
I loved all of my youth kids. But I will have to admit that I am the most fond of my Youth Presidents over the years. I worked the closest with them and naturally became the closest with them and their families.
Kim, Annalise, Austin, Katie, Laura... Although I only shared a small window of their lives, I can't help but feel invested forever.
I met some of the most amazingly dedicated volunteers. Debbie (Annalise's mom) has been my right hand momma over the years. She served as Chair of the Youth Committee and waded through the trenches setting up Convention, organizing consignment sales and silent auctions and collecting hundreds of little plastic pigs out of the arena each year for the Flying Pig Toss.
Nancy was my source of knowledge, my sounding board, my Sunshine, My Only Sunshine... She really did always find a way to make me happy when skys were gray.
The fact was, with out Debbie, Nancy, Cindy, Stacey, Chuck, Kathy, Mary, and countless moms, I could never have done my job alone. They were my army. My volunteers. They are my friends.
Together, we made this Association FUN for its youth.
We helped them feel important. We affirmed that although they were "just kids" their thoughts, ambitions and ideas really DID MATER! They made a difference. They made positive changes that effected their Association through their AHYA Convention. They had a voice!
This was a day-in-the-life of my job for six years.
Friends.
Horses.
Kids.
Fun.
The second best part of my job was AHA's flexibility to take my family with me. As a new, young mother, twelve days is a long time to be away from a newborn. This was my greatest benefit as an employee. I will always value this.
Without a doubt, this opportunity and benefit helped foster my Brown Eyed Girl's love for horses.
Of course it was still work... thank God for Grandmas!
My Brown Eyed Girl's first Stick Horse Contest, Youth Nationals 2009.
Halloween at US Nationals.
She LOVED Stick Horse!
Even Mr Blue Eyes competed and won a blue ribbon.
I have spent the better part of the morning sorting and storing the personal items and files I acquired over the last six years of my professional life. It's so strange to think that I won't be headed down Parker Road in the morning. It seems so foreign. I am excited and yet I can't help but feel a little overwhelmed.
Not only did I quit my job, but I am taking the biggest leap of faith and jumping into an entirely different profession. A profession where there are no guarantees. A profession where you have to put in what you expect to get out. A profession of feast or famine. Starting tomorrow, I will be making my debut as a realtor.
I know I can do it. I have the greatest mentor a girl could dream of.
I am excited!
My heart will take a little time to make the shift. Kids. Horses.
Thank you AHYA, the kids, volunteers, members and Arabian horses. I will always support you. And I will miss you!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Love School
I can't believe it. My beautiful Brown Eyed Girl is starting preschool!
My sitter and I spent many months reviewing our options for preschools - I am thankful that both our girls will attend the same preschool and will have each other as they embark on this new milestone in their life. I learned a lot about the education system available to us - public, private, charter. Who knew selecting a preschool was such a big decision. I can't even imagine what the University selection process will be like.
I was somewhat at the mercy of my sitter as to where My Brown Eyed Girl would go to school. I am really not quite sure how duel, working-parent families send their kids to preschool. My Brown Eyed Girl will attend preschool every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am - 1 pm. Right smack in the middle of the day. How on earth do kids attend preschool with out the help of sitters, Grandmas, nannies or at least one parent who doesn't work?
Lucky for us, we were able to decide together what was best for our girls.
We printed of our forms this summer and enrolled them at Little Blessings Preschool!
Before we knew it, summer was winding down and it was time to start preparing for that first day of school. Every new student needs a brand new backback. Off we went in search of a Princess backpack, as instructed by my Brown Eyed Girl.
I am not exaggerating when I say choosing a backpack is a long and tasking process. Back and forth, up and down the isles. One after another. Testing, wearing, twirling, posing.
Finally! The Cinderella backpack won her heart - fitting after the 20 minutes we spent hunting for the perfect fit.
It twirled magically.
Had beautiful adjustable PINK straps.
We had a winner!
The next step was attending Back to School Day where we got to meet her teachers and see her new classroom. My Brown Eyed Girl insisted on an up-do and her fancy jewelry for the big day.
I was so nervous, I even let her drive.
Of course I'm kidding...
Back to School Day is a WONDERFUL introduction to school. As much has my Brown Eyed Girl has talked about going to school when she is bigger, riding on the school bus and wanting to "be a big girl every day, all my day at school," she absolutely balked the minute we walked into her new class room. Even accompanied by her mommy, best friend, and second mom/our sitter.
She was shy and timid.
So unlike my overly outgoing, ambitious, little entertainer.
I was a little taken back. I was a little worried how her first day would actually go.
As soon as Miss Kellie and Miss Candi asked the girls to work on decorating their name tags, the Brown Eyed Girl I know and love shined through again.
They explored the new classroom and got comfortable. I was relieved.
THE BIG DAY!!
I really wanted to make my Brown Eyed Girls first day of school a memory she would hopefully always remember as special. She will have many "first" days of school over the next 15 or so years. But she will always only really have just ONE very FIRST Day of School.
I big, big day
So we went shopping!
I let her pick out a new dress, new head band, and a new pair of shoes. I could see the excitement brewing inside her, a smile wide across her face. The excitement was building and I was so happy for her!
And then she woke me up at 4:30 in the morning wanting to know if she could put her new dress on. She wanted to know how much longer before we went to school because she was ready. Ugggggg
It was a very anxious, very long morning.
Have I talked about Pintrest yet? Well if not, it's coming!!!
Thanks to Pintrest, I had this great idea for my Brown Eyed Girls first day of school. I will write more soon about it! But basically, you have them hold a chalk board each year documenting the day. The cutest part was you ask them what they want to be when they grow up and year after year you can see how much they grow and change. I searched high and low for weeks and found the perfect chalkboard!
I just loved, Loved, LOVED, L-O-V-E-D this idea and how it turned out!
On our way to school, My Brown Eyed Girl told me she was really, really tired. I'll bet you are after getting up at 4:30 this morning. Lord let her make it through the day.
When we got to school we took our turns standing in front of the little sign that said Little Blessings Preschool. I'm pretty sure the teachers have a giggle every year at the parents that pose their kids in front of the sign.
My Brown Eyed Girl was excited to see her friend. Together they were ready to concur preschool!
We went inside and we found her classroom.
The Tuesday/Thursday Foxes Class.
She saw the coat hooks as she walked in the room and hung her Cinderella backpack up all on her own, like she had done it a million days before.
Then she was instructed to find her name tag on the "Home" board...
... and move it to the "School" board.
She got fitted with a name tag sticker from Miss Kellie.
Then she took a look around the room and went over to a table and started working with a little magnet board.
She was smiling. Happy. Cool as a cucumber.
Her blond sidekick joined her at her table and the two of them worked at their tables. All smiles.
Miss Candy came over and observed our two little leaders who were ready to get their learning on. Gradually a few other students followed their lead and we noticed the moms starting to filter out.
I gave my beautiful Brown Eyed Girl a big kiss and told her it was time for mommy to go. I told her I wanted her to have a wonderful day at school and remember to be sweet and use her magic words.
I was pretty sure there wouldn't be any tears.
I was prepared for her to shy at the idea of me leaving.
Maybe ask me to stay a little longer.
She smiled up at me and said, "See ya later Mommy." And after one last smooch she went lack to her activity.
I walked out the door and smiled. What a BIG girl she was.
Mr Blue Eyes and I met a friend and watched the time go by. We went back to pick her up and she was still all smiles. Her teacher told us about their day. Miss Candi said she was very outgoing and a very good listener all day. Our Brown Eyed Girl was asked to be the Line Leader out to the playground.
I was so proud!
We got in the car and I asked all about her day. Not even five minutes later the back seat got very quiet.
4:30 finally caught up to my little Princess Preschooler.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)