The Show Must Go On (aka a Mom's Heart Breaks)

This summer, our eldest has been surviving the world of camps. Quite purposefully, I registered him in the YMCA day camps by our house for most weeks this summer. I was hoping that the familiarity of the camps - same counselors, same location, same kids, and same routine would help make going to camp easier. And, thankfully it has helped (so has having the neighbor boy going to the same camp). While there are things I don't like about the camp (lots of kids and chaos), they go on field trips two days a week and he also has swimming lessons two days a week which has been nice. 

After his fun experience during his after school enrichment production, we have talked about going to a theatre camp this summer. Unfortunately, booking camps late in the summer limits one's choices. I was fortunate to find a theatre camp for 7-12 year olds at a church near T-man's school that had a week called "Summer with Seuss."  A week away from the YMCA doing something different would be perfect I thought. This morning went well and D-man was very excited about camp. Unfortunately, that was the end of the excitement.  When I come home from work, D-man started telling me about his day and crying. He told me how he was freezing all day because he was so nervous. How he didn't get a good part in the show and how he didn't make any friends and ate lunch alone. My heart broke. I felt so badly for him and also that I let him down. I didn't prepare him for what might happen (not that I really had any idea), but I could have done a better job as a Mom preparing (protecting) my son. I know this will be one of the many times that my heart aches for my child and I'm sure it never gets easier. You want your child to do well, succeed, and love life. Unfortunately, today was not one of those days for D-man.

I have commented to Marshall frequently this summer that I am so proud of D-man and how he has tackled all of these new situations. I never, ever would have liked a camp full of big kids like the YMCA - let along play 4 square with them. D-man carefully watched and learned the rules and dove righ in. Tonight I reiterated how proud I was of him auditioning in front of so many kids and trying new things. I told him that it is hard for me to meet new people too and that even at work, I get nervous when I have to do something new. In the end, that's all I can do. Be there for him, provide a strong foundation and help him grow.

This may not be the best week of his summer, but no one ever grows by doing the same thing over and over. By the end of the night, he was excited for pajama day at camp tomorrow and we practiced the script/songs (it is also heartbreaking to me that he can't sing, but that is another blog post). And so, the show will go on. Here's hoping it goes on with friends to laugh with, sing with, and eat lunch with as well.

The Power of a Book

Yesterday, D-man picked up a couple new books at the local library. While they are probably a bit too easy for him, he ripped through them both and wanted to start on the next one in the series. Unfortunately, our local library is not open on Sundays. Luckily, the Central Library had a copy of the book and we decided to head downtown to get it. We zipped downtown and talked about the Performing Arts Center (where we are going to see The Lion King), the Denver Art Museum (where we saw King Tut), the City and County Building, and the State Capitol. We saw firetrucks coming out of the station and huge cranes working on the history museum. In just a short time, we saw quite a bit. On the drive, D-man commented how cool it all was.

Not only was this D-man's first trip to the Central Library, it was mine as well. I can't think of a better reason for my first visit - to get a book for my son because he just couldn't wait. D-man was in awe at the library and we enjoyed taking it all in - from the automated book return to the giant children's section to all the floors. I don't think he'll ever look at our local library branch the same. I'm guessing we will be visiting the downtown branch sooner than later - I'm already looking forward to our next mini-adventure.

Pits and Cherries

Every week night (except take-out Friday, of course), we eat dinner as a family. For some time now, we have asked the boys about the best part of their day. Sometimes, they would tell us. Sometimes, they wouldn't. Last week, I read an article that suggested doing "Pits and Cherries." This allows everyone to talk about the best and worst parts of their day. We started "pits and cherries" this week and the boys have been so eager to participate. The dinner discussions have been more interesting, longer, and the boys are actively participating.T-man's pits are pretty cute and the boys often have several cherries (which makes me very happy).

In the past, I often mentioned dinner with the family as the best part of my day. With the pits and cherries, I have said this again. D-man points out (correctly) that I "always" say dinner is the best part of my day. Apparently, in order to keep pits and cherries interesting, I'm going to have to find some new cherries. However, I'll be hard pressed to find a better cherry than spending quality time with my boys and their Dad.

Second Verse, Same as the First

Another vacation to Lake Coeur d'Alene is in the books. And, once again, we had a wonderful trip! This year I found myself finding comfort in the familiar, but finding new joy in how the experience changes as the boys mature and grow. No more naps to work around. Less fear about injuries around the water (as long as life jackets are on). More independence for the boys. Wonderful playtime together. Everyone sleeping in! More time for adults to chat and read.  Time for Gramma and Granddad to see the unique personalities of the boys. I found myself taking mental pictures of the boys running down the dock. And picturing how this same act will play itself out in the future. And looking forward to more memories at the lake.

And while there are so many familiar things - boat rides, tubing, ice cream in Harrison, bike ride on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, fire pit with s'mores, Hernando's Hideaway, games, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boating - there were new things this year as well. The highlight this year was meeting our new niece and cousin! Time on the boat and dock with Jim and Michelle (and their daughter) was so special for us all. A date night for Marshall and me in Coeur d'Alene enjoying a walk along the boardwalk and bringing home cupcakes for dessert. Reading an entire book (or two if you are D-man). A fun new dessert - cake in a cup. BB shooting off the deck.

Although many of my pictures are the same year after year, they have new meaning. It's the second verse, same as the first, but more in tune and better every year.

HAPPY!

HAPPY - that is what this image makes me.

Not only that, it clearly demonstrates the personality of my two boys. Happy Friday all!

Has it really been......

20 years? I'm guessing those words are uttered frequently at any 20 year reunion. While it is hard to believe it has been 20 years since I graduated from high school, it is not hard to go back in time to specific moments in high school. Some memories are good. Some are not so good. And most are somewhere in between.  Getting together with friends "that knew you when" is always a trip down memory lane. And, this reunion was also a time of reflection for me.  A reunion really is a clash of two worlds: the world that "was" when you were young and naive and a world that "is" and full of life experiences and change and has made you who you are today. So many folks (ok, not really that many as the graduating class was only 28) and so many different paths.But a common bond of high school graduation (and for most, a bond of elementary and junior and senior high school).
It was great looking at old photos and triggering memories of so many different experiences - Did I really where a powder blue prom dress? Why did I ever play the clarinet? Who doesn't hang out at the racquetball court on Friday nights? Can boys' basketball shorts be any shorter and girls' shirts be any bigger? I also enjoyed catching up with people. I'm sure there have been bumps and the road not always easy, but it is comforting to know that while the paths have been different, the life experiences and changes have left most people doing well after 20 years. I know the 20 years since high school have opened my mind, filled my soul, and provided me with a full life. I can only hope I will feel the same the next time a reunion rolls around and these two worlds collide.

Happy 4th of July

From the lake! Sent from my BlackBerry. Please forgive any typos.