March 3, 2013

Missed my power hour (no wait-to be honest I chose to nap instead of plan and organize my life) today so I'll be brief and concise-the the rest of the week I'll be disorganized and flustered:)

*  Breck and Lan's swim team was reorganized and they have been moved (together thankfully) to the Gold 1 team.  Their coach mentioned how much he likes them and how hard they work.
*  Lan got asked to swim on a state relay next Saturday.  He is very excited.
*  We took the family to Sports academy on Saturday for a swim.   Breck and Lan kicked my trash and gave me some pointers on how to improve my strokes.  Capriel seemed to be literally flying through the place sometimes jumping nearly on top of you as she threw herself into the pool.
*  Breck and I painted the upstairs bathroom a bright sunny yellow.  I literally want to hang out in there it makes me feel so happy!
*  Rhyse is frequently refusing to do even the most basic of activities, ie  put on her coat and shoes and has been frequently found screaming bloody murder as she stands in a parking lot somewhere refusing to move or go wherever we are going.  This has resulted in such calm behavior from her parents to make any parenting book proud-for about the first five minutes--after this point something seems to happen to the parents and all sorts of demons and monsters seem to erupt-followed by threatening, bribing, physical coersion, and other childish behaviors.  AHH-we need help!!!
*  Talia and Capriel played in ASTA which is basically adjudications yesterday.  In effort to save money and skill I decided to accompany Talia on her Vivaldi Concerto.  Let's just say I practiced so hard and though I don't think I totally messed her up, I hope they weren't noticing my left foot violently pumping up and down from nervousness.  The experience was a little stressful for a couple of different reasons, but I was proud of how well they played and the composure they maintained.  Capriel played Minuet 3, and Talia played the 3rd movement of the Vivaldi Concerto in G minor.  Capriel is beginning to use some dynamics and to tell a story (this one was about a horse who had lost their family) and Talia is showing awesome focus in her ability to maintain her focus on creating shape on each and every note.   She's really working  to connect her notes and her use of bow arm and speed.  As usual we got to hear some phenomenal musicians which is always inspiring.
*  Clara (our chicken) is brooding and requires special care.  She wants to be a mother and is basically just sitting in the nesting boxes all day.  We had to go and remove her and encourage her to eat and drink.
*  We are desperately waiting for spring!!!  Today it rained a little and a little grass is showing through the feet of snow in a few well traveled paths.
*  I rearranged much of my kitchen and have been enjoying the increased functionality.
*  I'm still incredibily sore most of the time from my classes.  I have taken my jogging outside which I love.  I can't believe how much I've slowed down over the winter.
*  We planted wheat grass.  Rhyse will often bring her little cup down multiple times a day to show how much it has grown.
*  Lan has been agonizing over a three point competition they have been having at school.  In an effort to make the finals he has stepped on the line and been eliminated from that round every day for over a week.  It has nearly ruined his life.
*  Craig is joining every board he can in efforts to get out of more dishes and put-to-bed duty.  He is getting pretty successful at it.  He has been working out lots more in between the swim runs and has really enjoyed the change of pace.  He is learning the his profession involves a lot of human drama and that a minor in psychology might have been a wise choice.
*Still reading The Parent Breakthrough by Merrille Boyack and mentally planning to completely refocus my parenting.  It has been super inspiring.

Rhyse's room to date-with her new dyed bedskirt . 

 Here's our before shot, with a few trial colors. 

 

Our sideways "after"  We are thinking about a garden theme-watering cans, bird houses, ladders, flowers, flower pots--Anything and everything to keep us sane during this long winter!

*Finished "Still Alice"  It was an absolutely heartbreaking book about a womens experience with early onset Alzeheimers.  I cried and cried and have been seriously disturbed by the process.  I am grateful for a much greater understanding and empathy for mental dementia and hope to be able to approach all who experience this either personally or as caregivers with greater charity and support.  How thankful I am for all I enjoy.

I have felt thankful this week for dear brothers and sisters and friends who buoy me up, motivate me and encourage me.  In addition, I am blessed with a very special oldest daughter who continually encourages, loves, and teaches me.  Today I experienced a little pampering from Craig in the form of a massage (I've been getting some migraines and extreme neck pain) and help with some of my computer woes.   I so appreciate his goodness to me.  No matter how stressed out I get or worried, or overwhelmed, he always seems to be able to see the optimistic perspective.  I so appreciate this and have a great desire to learn greater hope and faith.