4 March

 Right now.......

L started Basketball.  He complained about the fact that he had wanted to sign up and then seemed to change his mind.  He loved and it really good a shooting, plus his Best Buddy is on the team (which leads to auto playdates after practice).  He's psyched.

 B had her cardiology check up.  A little harder this time as she was very anxious about the doctor in general and whatever tests they are going to do.  Minnie went first of course.  Thankfully we are still on the every two year check up plan.  Phew. 

 Her Dance costumes came in.  She loves it.  This one is for ballet. 

 They had a girl scout glow Dance Friday night.  So social this girl, she is just soaring right now. 

 They decided to pull the bikes out on Saturday.  We are in serious denial that Spring is still very far away. 

 J had a trip this week and did some skiing in Colorado for "work"  Of course the girl flooded him with her usual cards when he got home (she had me make one too).  She makes cards for everyone now. 

 This boy qualified for states in the the 100 IM  last weekend.  States is in two weeks.  He also joined the Middle school team (season is only a month long). I was the teary eyed mom in the stands just beaming about the great race he swam.  Love that. 

 Hard to breathe at 11,000 feet.

and about the laundry (and regular blogging....sigh)  I am perpetually behind on everything at home.  The kids need us more than ever.  It was easier to sneak in a load when they were newborns it seems.  No, it never gets easier, parenting.  Just different.  Big kids=bigger problems.  More advice, more parenting.  Navigating middle school in a technological age. Navigating getting help when we need it.  Letting go of the stress and frustration with  a precious child with an unyielding determination, and the time and energy it takes to channel it into all the beautiful things he will accomplish someday.   These are the great years, but also the hard years.  The "I'm doing this because I love you and I want you to grow up to be a good kind person" years.  The time for phone calls and mommy friend playdates are pretty much non-existent years.  The holy crap we we are running out of time to do all the family things we have dreamed about years.  And the gym....I might have to ask Siri directions to there the next time I go.  I'm better at forgiving myself now, though, for all the mess ups.  For the asking for helps.  Thankful for the do-overs tomorrow gives us and that somehow the love we have for our kids will be enough to funnel into them making good choices someday.  If I wrote down the one thing I wanted to accomplish in life, this would be it.  I'm all in.  They will be alright.