Report Card Reviews

It is the end of the second marking period and we are halfway done the school year. Report cards came home on Thursday. Although my kids grades were fantastic, that will always fall second to the comments that the teachers make. My favorite tidbits...

"Isabella is an outstanding student. She is an independent thinker and brings interesting insight to any discussion..."

"I enjoy having Wyatt in my class. He comes to school ready to learn everyday..."

Although I love knowing that my children are smart I appreciate even more that they stick out among their peers for their personalities and good manners. I love that their teachers are so impressed that they almost always make comments on their report cards. Warm fuzzies of appreciation spread throughout me. I think I may be doing something right.

The Unknown Blessing

In a family of strong personalities and ridgid opinions, Wyatt is our calming force much like Travis is.

By far my easiest baby since the day he was born Wyatt has been nothing but smiles and charm ever since. My neighbor sums it up best for me when she says, "Seeing Wyatt every morning just makes me smile."

His happy attitude is infectious. The best part of my day is usually when he pops over to me, unsuspecting, to plant a smooch on my cheek. How could you not love this sweet face?

Happy Birthday Wy Man!

The Women In My Life

When I think of the women in my life right now two main ones come to the forefront of my mind. Both of their names start with A. One is Anya the other Audrey.

Why are these women so important to me?

The answer is simply. In the harried and fast paced life of a mother of four kids under the age of seven and only five years and some months apart a women needs a babysitter on speed dial for those sanity saving moments. These are my two.

Audrey is my after work hours weekly babysitter for datenight and other evening events. She is like the older sister my kids wished they had especially Bella, but as such she also gets added sass from them since they are so close.

Anya is my homeschooled, middle of the day babysitter and this particular weekend's warrior. She is the almost adult second mother. I know that she is old enough to lay down the law, but the kids still love her.

And yes I am in the Poconos with my husband, kid free for just under 48 hours. I trust these girls, I depend on these girls, and I love these girls as if they were my own very grown up children.

The other women who have made this weekend fabulous are the lovely, local librarians. I see them typically three times a week. I have a bit of an obsessive personality when it comes to reading.

These are the women who grab a new book when it first comes in anticipating that I will love/want it. These are the women who despite, Lancaster Counties new five hold limit policy, will override the system and add the extra items I desire onto my list.

These are the women who upon hearing about my weekend collected their favorite pick recommendations to send me away with. I love these women in my life as well as many others not mentioned.

Calories: Can't live with them, Cant live without them

Health Math
1 lb = 3,500 calories
500 calories less eatten a day + 500 burned daily at the gym = 1000 calories a day
3500 calories/1000 calories = 3.5 days to lose a lb
21 days into the New Year = o lbs lost for Mary

What gives with this Math. For every trainer who told me it was all about calories in and calories out to loose weight I say come count my calories sucka' because I defy your logic/science.

To this extent I still love the gym and working out. I love the health benefits and feeling strong and being the toughest girl I know. Additionally it doesn't hurt that despite being red and dripping with sweat I seem to have a friendly teasing banter, that some may call flirting, that goes on with some of the guy regulars one being a trainer.

So amidst this teasing I said to the one trainer earlier yesterday who is teaching the kickboxing class, notorious for being tough, so is this class any good? Am I going to get a good workout? He looks at me incredulously and almost offended. Note: He is a totally lean beefcake. He responds that if I punch and kick hard like you are supposed to, it's a good workout. He then says, "When I am done with you, you'll be like a wet noodle." And winks. Excuse me I think I was just slammed with a double entendre. Then I wonder if my very active imagination is playing with me, I am after all a sometimes bored housewife who can create fantasy daydreams.

Regardless of all this, what I have most picked up on is the intended challenge, "If I punch and kick hard like I'm supposed to". Oh, game on sucka. Upon entering the class I pick a spot front and center so he doesn't miss one moment of me doing it the "right way" and out working him every minute of the class. At times throughout the sixty minute class I can see him watching, I know he is impressed as others are dropping around us to less intense modifications. Near the end of the class he shouts to the class one minute left, what do you want to make of this class. And we start a fast as you can jogging in place. A little screw you attitude left in me, puts my hands straight above my head in the air, for those who aren't gym rats - this increases your heart rate rapidly and expends a ton more energy and takes more effort. I run my heart out. He looks over at me with a laugh and a nod. It says to me Touche.

After the class he comes up to me and says "You might just be the toughest chic I know. " I agree and walk off feeling rather smug. But I still wouldn't mind losing some weight too.

Eatting Less

This seems like an equation for a miserable Mary.

But as part of my New Year's Resolution I am eatting less and not after 7pm.

But to compensate I am making more delicious food for myself.

I am not hungry so much as suffering mainly from a mad case of munchies.

(lunch anyone?)

My Ballerina

"Isn't she lovely
Isn't she wonderful
Isn't she precious...
Isn't she pretty
Truly the angel's best
Boy, I'm so happy
We have been heaven blessed
I can't believe what God has done
Through us he's given life to one
But isn't she lovely made from love."

Stevie Wonder was onto something. I am in awe when I watch her.
Take a peek night at her ballet studio.

Isn't she beautiful?

She's Always My Baby To Me

Bella got her ears pierced. I love it and I hate it.
I guess she's all grown up. I wish I could keep her young forever. I wish she would always think of me as a perfect mom. I wish she would always climb in my lap curling up like a baby to be held. I wish she would always think I was the funniest person ever. I wish that she would always be perfect and innoncent like she is now. I am filled with horror that she is almost eight, that these years have passed me by, that I have somehow missed something, that they have gone too fast. I hate that she will now be responsible spiritually for her own mistakes. I would gladly take a lifetime of her sins upon my shoulders. I hate that I feel so strongly about something that shouldn't be that big of a deal. I think I may be having a midlife crisis.