1.18.18

1.18.18||  Knee deep in midterm week

On Your First Day of 8th grade

Dear T,

Happy First Day of Eighth grade!  This is going to be your year, gateway to High School, college and the rest of your amazing life.  Mom and Dad couldn't be prouder of the person you are becoming.  You are kind, and sensitive and just wonderful.  You are so, so curious about the adult world and what it's like to do the things we do.  Middle School can be so hard, my boy.  There is so much growing to do, but you are just breezing right through.  I was so proud of how who spent hours cooking the family dinner last night (homemade mac and cheese) for the last night of summer.  I love how a campfire with your family was the way you wanted to spend the last night of your summer vacation.  I love how you still want to hang out with us, our nightly talks and our card games.  As I tucked you in last night I whispered, "Do me a favor and don't waste so much time worrying about what other people think .....that was a mistake that I made" Just be yourself, and as kid president said....It's time to be more awesome".  Reach for the stars, my boy, you WILL be awesome. I couldn't love you any more than I do today.

Love always,
Mom.

Thirteen (and a letter).

Dear T,

I'll spare you the sentimental "where has time gone?", but holy crap,  You are very much THIRTEEN.  yesterday, I held you in my arms for the first time, today you are a teenager.   My sweet, sensitive, smart and kind boy, you are at the beginning!  When you graduate the teenage years you will very much be on your own.  I wanted to make your birthday party as big and awesome as what I felt thirteen deserved, BUT, time got away from me (hey I'm brand new at this raising a tenager thing)and we had to settle for a quite evening and morning instead.....more your style I think.  I LOVED the bike ride.   I  LOVED that YOU loved the bike ride....AND most of all that you wanted to spend your birthday morning with ME.  I know and completely expect these days to fade.    I might get sad at times about it, but REALLY it's ok.  Even when you totally mess up, I'll be there cheering you on every step of the way.  I'll be your biggest fan, even when you hate me (and even when I dislike something you have done).  Just remember boy, life is VERY imperfect and You are imperfect.  Social media distorts that big time.  You don't need other people to validare you, you are already valuable.  No one is doing all and having all without struggles even if it appears that way.  Accepting your imperfection is a way toward an amazing peace. Work through struggles and hardships, take control of your emotions before they take control of you.  Everything will fall into place eventually.  until then, learn what you can, use that great sense of humor of your and keep moving forward.  BOy, YOU are on your way.  I couldn't be prouder of the person you are becoming.  Somtimes boisterous, sometimes opinionated, sometimes amazing at getting out of work, but there isn't anyone else in the world I would rather ride bikes with, or sit and read on the couch with but you.  I am so thankful that I get to be on this journey called life with you (for a little while anyway).  I hope this day is as amazing as you are.  Keep doing what you do.

Love you forever,
Mom

26 August

Today.....my boy got his top braces put on!  He was so patient and tolerant through the whole process.  His mouth will be pretty sore for a few days.  He says it feels like all his teeth are loose.  The best part.......picking the colors!

6 August

Our boy left for his first overnight camp last Sunday.  Boys cabin number 9.  It's one of those camps where you can't call or text (you can write, but he probably won't).  I heard the kids all have the time of their lives.  He brought a "good outfit" for the dance at the end of the week (in case he got a date !!).  We're back home missing him like crazy, wondering how and what he is doing.  We sent him a care package with some cookies and bracelets made by B and L.  Seriously, it's the first step to college, how are we ever going to be able to let him go!  Can't wait to hear all about it on Saturday!

2 August

The Saturday lens......

J and I got up early Saturday to run our annual Beach to Beacon Road Race.  Each year, right before we wonder why we do it, then after we're done were ready to sign up again.  It means getting there at 6:30 in the morning and waiting around for almost two hours and in line for the porta potties (or the woods!), running a hilly tough 10K and then taking a school bus back to our car with a bunch of other sweaty stinky people.  Fun, right?  This year was a PR for me of 1:01:38. The strength training has really helped in my running as I haven't trained much for longer distances. Anyway, this race is big time as far as the elite runners go.  they are finished when I'm at mile 2.  It's just fun to experience and see all the people (and the scenery isn't bad either!).

 Then we were back to celebrate our boy turning TWELVE!  Our P family traditional candle in the muffin breakfast.  My heart already aches at the thought of watching him grow up completely and leave us over the next 5-6 years.  He's just a great kid, always tries to do the right thing.  Always says Thank you.  T, I'm so proud to be your mama, and be a witness to what you will become.  You are so awesome and fun to have around.

And yep, he got the phone.  The time was right for us (every family is different).  What worked for us is having him pay for some of it and writing down rules about the phone for him to sign.  Safety First.   He's over the moon excited.

Later......we got all cleaned up and ready for our traditional birthday dinner out at Flatbread.  We took some photos outside for the occasion (of getting dressed up)

there were some photobombers.

and there were the usual shenanigans at Flatbread.

We ended the evening with a walk down on the beach and then home to some homemade chocolate, chocolate cake.  He said his birthday was a great day.  I agree.  Happy Birthday Boy, we love you T!

21 July

The Weekend Lens.....

Our Last 207 Lacrosse Tournament with the travel team.  It was bittersweet.  Good to have a break from playing, bad to say goodbye to so many new friends.  It was fun to hang out with Kevin and the kids and get ice cream two times on Saturday.  Fun to hang out with Dad and get to eat his amazing breakfasts.    Fun to end the weekend off with an last minute cookout, swim and adults vs kids lax game in the backyard until well after dark.  Here's to Summer, more adventures and Vacation next week!

(a fun app called juicy Fruit Sweet Talk)

15 July

The weekend lens....

Spent the weekend in Boston at the Harvard Crimson Classic tournament.  It was HOT, we are tired, the kids had an amazing overtime win in the first game, a win in their last game and three losses (still fighting hard and not giving up).  T ended up with an ankle injury and didn't play in the last game (which totally stunk!) but is feeling better as I type this  One tournament to go.  Loving  all that we are learning and the people we are meeting.


Enjoy the Pics!

30 June

The weekend Lens......

Tons of lacrosse this weekend......first there was a SYL select team game Friday evening.  A beautiful warm night for a game.  The boys had a real clock and scoreborard for the first time. They boys lost by one, but it was a real exciting end.

 

Then we were road tripping to RI for the Bryant classic.  It was a fun first experience.  We enjoyed hanging out with the other parents and having the grandparents come watch.  The boys played awesome, really showed that they are developing maturity.  even in a really tough game, they didn't give up.  they ended up second place overall.  So proud of them, and we feel so thankful that we get to be a part of it all.

26 June

Being on the team. (photo above is T on the 207 team-blue and white vs his own home SYL team).

Middle school is a new age.  So many more choices.  More pressure for parents and kids a like.  More intensity in Sports and School and Friends. It's uncharted territory for us.   Most sports have an opportunity to practice year round at this age.  It's a Hard choice to make to let them do it or not (personally and financially).  We were just starting sports at this age, now, lots of kids have been playing a sport since they were two,  There are arguments for both sides.  The Sports are so intense, there is so much practice, lots of pressure to "be good", and the fun gets a  little lost sometimes .  We decided to have a go at the travel team thing this summer.  So here's the keeping it real pros and cons.
      The Pros:  Meeting new Parents from other towns.....There are a couple of Mom's from the Lewiston-Auburn Area that I really have got a long well with.  They feel like "my people" (probably cause I grew up near there).  Meeting New coaches, and a paid coach vs. a volunteer coach is a new experience (although some of our volunteer coaches were amazing).  Having T have to branch out and meet new kids that he would have NEVER met in school.  It's so good for a middle school-er to step outside their comfort zone socially.
     The CONS:   Playing at an "all star" level means you are sometimes not even close to being one of the better players on the team.  Sometimes you don't even play (cause it's not an everyone plays philosophy) This really challenges the maturity level of an 11 year old.  So he left lots of practices a little upset about how he made this mistake and that mistake and coach didn't even let him practice the offensive etc, etc......(lots of over thinking) or say he's not good enough to be on  this team etc....
      There was tons of reminding that you grow more from being one of the least skilled players on the best team than the best player on the worst team.  There was lots of reminding that we would love him just as much if he was the mascot or the scorekeeper than the game winning scorer.  Lots of reminding him that Michael Jordan didn't make his High School team, or Tom Brady sat on the bench for two years and only got his chance when the other QB was injured.  Lots of reminding him that the kids who will be the star players in High school may have not even picked up a stick yet.  There is still so much time.  He could either quit or work harder, Quit or learn to ask the coach questions himself, Quit or bring himself outside his comfort zone and grow and learn patience.    It's challenged him and it's challenged us.
      So we're about to go into our first of three out of state tournaments this weekend.  We're sticking with it, we're working hard.  (anything that makes a kid work hard and get over his ego I'm totally about).  We're all packed, snacks, drinks, clothes, folding chairs and sunscreen (and prayers for an injury free return are said).  I can't wait, bring on the fun.  You amaze me boy, we love watching you play, go #127!

15 April

Monday....the first night of outdoor practice....it was supposed to be warm but it was cool and windy. Hello spring and new routines. here's to running outside during practice when it's still light out. Teacher conferences....which lead to phone calls and emails and frustration...learning about the blood moon. here's to the Monday of a new season 

14 April

The weekend lens.....

Friday and Saturday were absolutely beautiful.  My friend and neighbor Tina posted on Facebook that the one great day erased the last "150 days of crap" Just like that..  So true.    I got some compost spread on my garden.....kids were playing outside in the yard.   Awesomesauce.

Our local Dairy Corner opened up and of course we were there.  With Gammie and Grampa.  They have some amazing new cheesecake flavors this year!

Saturday night was the Girl Scout Annual Father Daughter Dance.  I was on the committee that helped plan it this year and volunteered to take all the "couple" photos.  There were over 100 girls.   I had a great time doing it.....it was such a nice way to get to talk to everyone that went.  Of course my girl loved it. She's so grown up now.    Anything to dress up, curl her hair and put on make up.  This girl speaks dance as a second language....for sure.  She was in heaven. The boys attended a big band Concert at the High School that Grampie was playing in.  They loved it, got to stay up late and the report was their behavior was "excellent".  They can't wait to go to Grampa's next "gig"  :)

We made smoothies (at practacally every meal) with the vitamix,  LOVE it!

Sunday morning we  practiced music and played games.......Cat and Minnie lost by a mile.

Then on to three hours of Lacrosse in the afternoon.  Trevor had two practices (one for the travel team) and Lucas one.  I always stay for the practices because I love watching them play.  Then they practiced more when they got home.
Sunday night, (it was raw and rainy outside) we settled in for a movie and a chicken "farm" (Bre calls it) dinner.  Best weekend ever. (Aren't all of them?)

9 April

Last night....the end of the season swim banquet.   Which meant a little arguing about what to wear, tucking in our shirt, sneakers, etc......sigh.  They had a blast having dinner and dancing (I went last year).  The DJ took all their requests this year so the kids were thrilled.  They loved seeing their photos in the slideshow.  On to the summer season (which starts April 28!)

11 March

Tonight.....the annual "cupcake" rally to celebrate the kids who made states (USA swim Junior Olympics).   They all get a bathing cap (pink! this year) and a sign made just for them.  So proud of the 50 swimmers who made it.....such hard work and dedication this sport takes.

26 February

Right now.....

He says he would love it if we just went from Winter to summer to fall, cause he hates spring and he likes all the rest.  (I don't blame him, Spring is not the best around these parts)
He is getting ready for two big swim meets, the last chance qualifier and the Junior Olympic state meet.
He's doing algebra in Math (Oh, my!)
Favorite food is ice cream (mine too!)
His Least favorite food is shepherds pie, and cucumbers.
Is loving going ice skating and playing a little hockey at the rink after school.
Is excited for Lacrosse season which starts indoors next Friday.
Gets annoyed with and worried about what's fair especially concerning his younger brother.
Takes care of the dog.
He eats oatmeal for snack almost every day after school
He needs to say goodnight ("Goodnight, Love you, See you in the morning")   like 20 times before he goes to bed (usually I am in bed before him these days....10 PM).
He Is responsible about his homework and chores and practicing, but gets worried about forgetting.
He Is sweet and kind and sensitive.
He Loves the game Clash of Clans.
He Loves the Star Wars movies, the Hunger games, and just finished the Divergent Series.
He Loves reading (and reads daily) Calvin and Hobbes.
11 going on 12...oh my!

12 February

Every Day After school this week we have been going to the ice rink......who knew.....it's FREE, there is a great indoor space for putting on skates, AND social  fun stuff and exercise happen when we get out of the house.   Apparently,  the whole town knew about this little gem but us and now that we have discovered this awesome after school activity, we're going to make it a regular.  L was very apprehensive at first, but wanted to try.  By the end of the second Day T had taught him how to skate some and he was falling all over without a worry of getting hurt.  They love it and ask to go back every day.  Now all we need are skates for the girl a few more pucks and hockey sticks and we've found another really fun way to cure the cabin fever :)