Enjoy the Moment

Today was a day filled with soccer.  The sun was shining.  The wind was blowing.  Parents, grandparents, and siblings lined the fields.

Little Man was the first to play today.  It was mid-morning and the fields were still damp from last night's rain.  The sky was bright blue with just a few stray clouds.  Gusts of cold wind blew red, orange, and yellow leaves past me in a perfectly choreographed dance before falling gracefully to the ground to be discovered by curious child hands.

I sat curled up in my furry fleece, shades over my eyes, warm toddler on my lap, watching Little Man tear up and down the field in relentless pursuit of the black and white ball.  He scored effortlessly, high-fiving his coaches and jumping for joy with arms outstretched.

He's good.  I am proud.

One hour later, Big Girl played her game under a warmer autumn sun.  Despite the occasional moments of pure warmth, the strong, chilly wind gusts would not let us forget what was in store for us.  Old Man Winter grows impatient - we'll soon be feeling his wrath.  The slight scratchiness I felt in my throat as I sat watching Big Girl run with her teammates reminded me of past winters and the agony of flu, cold, gray days and cabin fever.  Knowing what is just around the corner, I treasure Fall's comfortable weather and vibrant colors that much more.

Sitting there today in my skimpy folding chair I began to dread the very thought of Winter's imminence.  I wondered how I could possibly make it through all those cold, dark days when....

....the scent of steaming, hot, pumpkin-spice flavored, caffeinated goodness wafted my way and I was back in the moment.

I love my hubby.

Dear Alexa....

Today you celebrated your ninth birthday.

Your mama said you could have ANYTHING you wanted for breakfast - you requested pancakes (plain and chocolate chip) and bacon. There was no bacon so your daddy make a special trip to the store to pick some up for you.

You had an awesome party at a little private bowling alley at a local university. You felt so special. You said that no one else has ever had an ENTIRE bowling alley for their birthday!

All your closest friends and family were there to share in the fun. Even your grandparents bowled! You hung out with your girl friends, sang out loud to your favorite music that blasted from every corner of the alley, you danced around and did silly things, and you bowled, of course.

Your mama watched you proudly from afar, with camera in hand, marveling at the smart and lovely little girl you've become. You are a tomboy, but such a girly-girl too, even though you would never admit it.

You had a soccer birthday cake and soccer themed goody bags. You had lime green, baby blue, and white balloons. You made your Mama promise not to use any PINK in your birthday colors. Mama told the girl at the bakery to trim your soccer cake with PURPLE icing - it was a very cool cake.


Your mama and daddy bought you that "Just Like Me" American Girl doll you wanted soooo bad. She even had glasses, just like yours!


And the Harry Potter Lego Wii game you thought looked cool. Your brother spoiled your surprise when he walked in on your mama in the living room (at 1:30 am!) wrapping the gifts the night before, and even though he promised not to tell, it was the first thing he did when he went back up the stairs to your room.

You were both so excited about the bowling party, you didn't fall asleep until almost 2:00 am. But you still woke up early the next day!

You had a great day and you thanked your mama and daddy for the BEST birthday party EVER!



Happy Birthday Alexa!