Ice Skating

My mom and I took the girls and my niece ice skating for the first time. On the way there they were both very nervous. Luca was sure she was going to fall and the blade of the ice skate was going to cut her hand. She had all the details in her mind of how this was going to happen. Is she me or what? Ryley was just scared, she did not really know why. I was sure that I would be doing jumps and spins after just a few minutes practice :) Wait isn't that the same thinking that ended me up in the ER on the 4th of July after I split my shin open trying to reclaim my youthful status by doing flips off the diving board? Yes it is. Well anyway I was sure I could still do alright.

After losing 5 lbs trying to get everyones skates on in the dark, (they were trying to create a winter wonderland feel to the rink), we were ready to hit the ice! We saw a bunch of little kids using these safety skate things made of PVC pipe that but getting our hands on one was not an easy feat. I really wanted to steal one from one of the kids who kept going the wrong way on the ice but I figured that would not be appropriate. As the girls stepped onto the ice, they each started crying and said I cannot do this. That is a phrase I refuse to hear so I went out and showed them that they can just hold onto the wall until they get comfortable (or until I stole one of those PVC thingy's). My mom, Luca, and Stephanie slowly moved along the wall and I took Ryley out around the rink. I was pretty much holding her up at this point. Then I took Luca around the rink...same story. I was thrilled with the arm workout I was getting. My poor terrified Niece Stephanie did not want to go out into the rink with me but I made her. I dropped her off back at the wall and we saw some kids exiting the rink with 2 PVC thingy's. I quickly nabbed them and the very second Ryley got hers she was off. Luca same thing. I quickly skated off to find them and they were little maniacs, skating wildly around everyone at top speed. Ryley thought it was great to get going super fast then skim the ice on her heels. I showed why that was not a good idea for several reasons the main one being is SHE COULD HAVE FALLEN BACKWARDS AND CRACKED HER HEAD OPEN!! She did not care, it was fun and that was much more important than the possibility of stitches or worse. Well after about 20 minutes with the thingy's they both decided they did not need them and they were right. They would skate around the middle of the rink and get further and further each time. I could not believe how good they were doing. It was fun to watch how confident they had become in just a few minutes. My niece also built up her confidence and made it to the center rink. What fun!! My mom was going round and round the rink staying close to the edge. She actually did amazing! Her girlhood was filled with ice skating up in Canada so it was fun for her to know she still had it in her. She had one nasty fall in which I was sure she hurt herself but she just got up laughing away. I loved every minute of it! Luca and Ryley were just having a ball. We skated for nearly 2 hours and probably could have done more but it was starting to get crowded so we decided to leave. The girls talked about it for days and really want to take lessons. I think it would be so much fun so them so we will see. Oh and I don't think I will make the next winter Olympics after all but at least I did not fall!!

Christmas

Christmas Party

We went to Rick's office Christmas party last night. It was party #2 for the weekend with one more to go tonight. Rick was picked to lipsinc in front of everyone! I think his song was Can't Touch This. He was a huge hit! I pesonally would have died if I was up there. NO WAY! But Rick has no pride :) We have been little partiers lately and I have to say I love being all dressed up with my man. We have so much fun together.

Breakfast in Bed

Saturday morning I woke up not feeling too great. My sweet girls wanted to make me breakfast in bed so all on their own they made me toaster waffles with agave nectar (that's what we use for syrup in our house), vegetarian sausage, rice, whip cream and a sprinkle of salt over the whole thing(interesting but not too bad). They added a lovely garnish of fresh baby spinach leaves. They brought it to me on a cookie sheet with a glass of water and a little vase with purple stink weed that they picked from the yard. It was too cute so I had to gt pictures. They completely dressed them selves in the aprons and chefs hat. They had so much fun and I have to say I was very impressed at their culinary skills :) It was so fun to hear them downstairs coming up with their plan. Luca of course was the leader, but she is so good at listening and incorporating Ryley's suggestions. I think she could make a very good head chef one day. Ryley added an arm massage with lavendar baby lotion to my morning. She said she would take care of me all day. Fortunately my "sickness" was cured fairly quickly with a little coffee and advil. hee hee :)

Thanksgiving in Santa Cruz

For Thanksgiving we went to Santa Cruz to see Rick's sister Betsy (Owa). It was really great for the kids to get to know her better. The girls helped make the stuffing, put on endless dance party shows in her family room, planned games for all the adults, went to the boardwalk to ride the roller coaster and smothered Cowboy (Owa's dog) with attention. Besty's children Jolie and Darrin came for dinner and it was a nice small get together. The girls really got the Santa Cruz experience with the street musicians in downtown Santa Cruz. They danced their little hearts out. When it was time to go they asked if they could stay with Owa. Then I reminded them that we had to get home to decorate our Christmas trees.

I really have been thinking about all the things that I am thankful for. Here is my 2008 thankful for list

1. My husbands patience and kindness


2. Luca's imagination
   
3. Ryley's silly laugh


4. Our family's health, we are blessed.


5. My soul sista Karla who never forgets me even though she is now an Ohioian. We are still on the same wave length even though we are so far apart. I miss her everyday!


6. My dear friend Stacy who I talk to every single day! We always know where each other is going.


7. My sweet friend Vivian for being such an example to me of faith and strength. Her friendship is a gift from God in my life.


8. My mom, pure and simple.
   
9. My sister who is always there to lend an ear or advice. I am blessed with our relationship.


10. My grandson (hee hee) bringing Ashley and I closer and for his saving Ashley's life.


11. Our home, a modest tract home but the most comforting place I know (for all of us)


12. God's grace and humor when it comes to dealing with me. (really should be #1)
13. The kindness of others. I am touched when people do things from the goodness of their hearts. I have so many friends who are just pure generous souls. I admire them all.


14. Velour sweats! I look forward to putting them on every day. :)

I think that there are so many things that I let go by on a daily basis and do not give thanks for. I am truly thankful for this moment and where my family is right now. We are blessed.