Catching the Leprechaun

I read a blog post the other day written by a mom who was requesting that other moms and teachers take the holidays "down a notch." I have to say it really struck a chord with me. I don't remember celebrating St. Patrick's Day at all as a kid (and I turned out fine). Yeah that's what they all say, but seriously, when did everything turn into a big celebration complete with imaginary beings, candy, and toys?

I will admit I was prepared and even a little excited to dress them in green, but I was not prepared for Z to wake up and "set a trap" for the leprechaun. (I have no idea where he even got that idea from!) But, of course because he set the trap, I felt compelled to write a note "from the leprechaun" and leave candy. I did these things because I felt like I needed to preserve the "magic" and more importantly prevent disappointment that his trap was set for nothing.

 

I have to admit they were really excited when they first saw it, and I was feeling like a genius until... Z gets this sad look on his face and tells me he really wanted to catch the leprechaun. So never mind the candy and the clever note, now we are supposed to catch the thing, and what would that even look like?!

Anyway, it got me thinking maybe by going along with these things, we are just setting kids up for disappointment when the find out they (the leprechaun, tooth fairy, etc.) don't exist. Wouldn't it just be better to tell the truth from the beginning? That mom bought you some treats to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

I explained to him that no one catches the leprechaun, and he seemed to accept that. But, then a little later he examined his loot and asked, "Why does this say Easter Nerds Rope?"    Dang literacy!

The older I get, the more I feel that childhood innocence is fleeting and that I want to preserve it for as long as possible. But what I am realizing is that childhood innocence is not in imaginary things like tooth fairies and leprechauns. It's in little moments, like playing pretend, finding joy in simply drawing or coloring, or laughing over words like "diaper" or "underwear" (although we discourage that last one).

I think what I'm trying to say is that my goal in raising my kids (and I think I speak for Nick and myself) is to strike a balance between "believing" and being honest and preparing them for the realities of life.

In the meantime, maybe I will "take it down a notch,"  because who has time to make crafts for Columbus Day?!

Life Lately: School Events Edition

Life lately has involved a lot of school activities.

First up, Z's book fair.

One of the advantages of our moving closer to town is that Nick can hop over to Z's school when he needs to. Earlier this month, the book fair was in town, and they wanted a parent there to supervise purchases. Nick was planning on going, but my schedule opened up, so I got to go! Who doesn't love the book fair? As a side note, I remember $5 being about all you needed to get your fill of erasers, a couple of books, and even a slap bracelet or two. But, we spent almost $30 and he still had a couple of books he had to let go, um hello inflation!

 Meanwhile, at Lu's school they were celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday by having Wacky Wednesday. Lu loved wearing her skirt to school.

Later that week we had Open House at Z's school. I loved seeing him in his element and things like this.

Before I turn 100 I will: 1. Learn how to play football 2. Spend the night in Nashville 3. Go to a Titans game. 

He has said many times that he loves computer and iPad time, so of course he had to show us those, and we stopped by the music room on the way out, which looked so fun, I admit I was a little jealous.

 Friday, Lu and I had to go to Baba's office so I could get some biometrics testing done for insurance purposes. Lu was a great assistant and admitted, "Baba's office is cooler than yours, but yours is prettier." I think the donut had something to do with it.

After all that health assessing, and dance class, we were pooped so, we relaxed a bit on my bed before picking up Z. 

It was a busy and fun-filled week, especially for a family who's used to staying in and doing lots of nothing, especially on weeknights!

The Rest of February

I forgot to mention the other day that part of the blog break was taking a break from photographing all.the.things, to just try and enjoy the moment. I did manage to get a few pictures of the fun things we've been doing lately. Like,

playing catch in the yard,

playing (hard) at birthday parties

 being silly and enjoying the little things

 making "carpet angels" (and staring admiringly at big brother)

 And of course, preparing for our big soccer season. Z's starting U8 this year, and things are getting serious, hence the serious face, ha! I don't know if he's ready or not (the first practice didn't go so well), but we're going for it, weeknight practices and all...  

Here's hoping that serious face does him some good at his game this Friday.

February Recap: Valentine's Weekend

Valentine's weekend was relatively uneventful. It coincided with a 4-day weekend for Z (President's Day) and Marathon weekend. 

Me and Lu welcomed Z into our Friday "dance routine" (get it?!).

 

Saturday was the Kid's Marathon, of course, then in the afternoon, Z went to his school best friend's birthday party, while me and Lu went to the mall where cousin AG was doing a dance performance. 

When we returned, we found the boys had surprised us with flowers and candy.

Then, Saturday night, we put the kids to bed and got take out sushi and had a little staydate. 

Sunday, after the marathon, we went to my parents house, and the kids brought Nunna some flowers. 

It was a jam-packed weekend, which was great for the boys because they got Monday off, but the girls had to go to school and work. Lucky for me, I got to meet them out for lunch!

February Recap: 2016 Marathon

This year my mom joined my dad for the half marathon. They walk together all the time, and by together, I mean, they always leave at the same time, and Dad usually walks ahead of Mom and talks on his phone (to other family members usually), and mom walks at her own pace, hair down (always!) and they come home and eat brunch together. They always wait and go together, but they never stay together for long. It's kindof hilarious.

And apparently, the marathon was no different, but they managed to cross the finish line together, holding hands and waving to their adoring fans. My parents, everyone! Haha!

 

They ran with some friends, and a photographer from Al.com took a similar picture to this and posted it to the webpage. It was fun that my babes got to be on Al.com :)

 

The marathon has become old hat to my Dad. I'm so proud that no matter who joins or doesn't join, he does it! Even if he never does another one, he'll always have 4 medals, and I'm so proud of him for that!

And, I'm so proud of my mom! She had her doubts (although none of us did), but she did awesome! When you ask her if she's going to do it again next year, she'll tell you definitely, "oh no, honey, I'll never do that again." 

Haha, know the feeling. Marathon #4 in the books (literally).

February Recap: Kid's Marathon

Well, I took February off, mostly because I wanted to work on my blog books, but also because, a girl needs a break every now and then!

The most fun thing that happened in February was probably the Mercedes Marathon, so I'm going talk about it first.

I have written about the half marathon for several years now, beginning in 2013 when my dad did it by himself (technically written by my dad and edited by me). Then, in 2014 when my dad, brother, and Nick ran it (my brother did the full), and last but not least, last year, when I stupidly joined in.

Those years were great, but this year was really special because Z ran the kids marathon! This is where they do a mile a week for 25 weeks, then run the final 1.2 on race day, or actually the day before. There were SO MANY kids there and it was a little hectic and cold, but OH SO worthit!

 

Nunna and Jido (as registered runners) had to pick up their packets on Saturday, so they came along, and Z was SO pumped up. I love that picture of his raring back to high five Jido (with Nick in the background, ha).

Once Nick got him lined up, he took that start line by storm!

 

I'm so glad Nick got this video, because I didn't get to see him at the start line, and I just love this so much!

While he'd slowed down a bit by the end, his spirit was soaring when he crossed that finish line. 

Sunshine, family, just a perfect day! 

It was just such a fun event, and I hope it instills a lifelong love of fitness in our boy! Next up, the race!