Never thought I would!

I know how I am as a mom.  Well, at least I think I know that.  I have been a pretty strict mom... bedtimes are non-negotiable. So are tv limits... what's allowed to watch and when.  Dinner is only what's offered, there's not a selection.   There's a line and it's not allowed to be crossed.  

There are certain things I would say that I would never allow to happen.  I'm not talking about the "big" issues, just things I wouldn't see as copacetic! (being okay)

Well, I am about to cross that line.

I am about to allow something (eek! I even masterminded it)  that even just a couple years ago, I never imagined I would.  

Tonight, I am taking my daughter to the a first showing of a movie.  Doesn't sound too bad like that, does it?  Now consider it's a midnight showing AND it's on a school night!!  What am I thinking?? 

But, this is not just any movie, a movie based on books she has read multiple times, books that pushed her into preferring long, thick stories and becoming a great reader.  Stories she's adored and re-enacted with friends during her younger years. Stories that show the value of friendship, determination, and creativity just to name a few. Yes, we'll be going to see Harry Potter 7.  And we're both so very excited!

Sometimes, rules are made to be broken.  Sometimes, it's more about seizing the moment and experiencing life (even silly, little things like movies), than about watching the 'line'.  'Cuz ya just never know when the moment will come again. ;-)

Well, that's what I'm telling myself today.
;-)

(and for those of you worried about D, he's off having fun on a school trip, we're not leaving him out)
(and yes, Shawn is in on it, but I was only telling my story)

Anyone like a Cuppa?

Recently, we invited some friends over for dinner.  They couldn't come by for dinner, so these friends said they'd stop by earlier for tea.

Like any calm, reasonable adult I thought, "WHAT??  What am I suppose to do with that??" 

Americans don't do "afternoon tea" (or morning or evening tea for that matter)! We don't even know there's a difference between afternoon and evening tea.  Needless to say, I was feeling a little lost...

Thankfully, I managed to pull myself together.  Even more thankfully, the friends stopping by were gracious. Very gracious.  We had tea.  And, if I didn't do it properly, they never mentioned it.  We enjoyed our tea with a lovely cake they brought along, chatted, and had a great time together.  But I felt way out of my element.

This makes me think that oftentimes it's more the effort we make, than actually doing something "just right". 

Or at least that's what I'm telling myself. ;-)

Wordless Wednesday - D

Look what I found!!

 Can you see it?

Some bagpipes and MIK!

(that'd be men in kilts!)

A Scottish Fair right near us.  WooHoo!
(it was a cold and windy day)

.

One of the fun moments was watching some 'strong men' competitions.  Although we missed the caber toss and haggis hurl, we did see a couple events.  (sadly, they're the ones I don't know the names of)

 

 A pipe band off marching to perform.

(That's Mt. Kembla in the background)

Some of the competitors watching their events.

Aren't those kilts wonderful! I think it's quite fun..

  A closer pic of some of the pipers.  Lovely sight!  This was the end of the event with a massed bands performance.  It was a delightful Saturday, not quite MI RenFest, but best Scottish fix I've had in a while!                    ~~~~~                                       Gotta love the hubby who made sure I got there. :-)  I'm a lucky gal.

Milestone Moment

In life there are some moments that you know are markers of change.  While change is inevitable, (or so they say) some change just hits me a bit more while other change is slow and sneaky.   The same is true with my kids.

Throughout their lives, there have been moments where immediately things were different.... when they became mobile, started communicating, went to school... are a few obvious ones.  They're good moments in that they show wonderful progress and growing independence.  But, to me, these changes also include a bit of sadness 'cuz they mark the end of a 'era'. 

Yesterday, one such changed happened....
The whole family went out to an event in Wollongong, Viva la Gong.  It was a fun day with music and performers, food, merchandise stalls (including several fair trade one), and kids activities.  Good fun! 

After spending some time together listening to the music, visiting w/ some friends we bumped into, we decided to wander in different directions.  I had Brenna.  We went through the children's area and she found a craft that interested her.  This is a familiar, comfortable event. 

Then, the moment came...  after a lifetime of waiting in lines for face painting, she wanted a henna tattoo.  I know, it's not shocking, or really unexpected, but it does shout inside my head, "Where has my baby gone!?!" 

Some changes, I'm just not ready for...  ;-) 
But take a look, the artwork is GREAT!

just last year...

.

.

yesterday...

Different art, same smile

(Disclaimer: the daughter just came in and said, "I still like face paint."  So, maybe it's not such a big change after all.)

(and here's hoping that there'll be some more blogs in the near future... sorry, folks)