Turning the Clocks Back

The concept of turning the clocks back always resonates with me a lot -- mostly because I feel like time just keeps racing forward out of control, out of my reach, as though I'm chasing something and trying to reign it back in; only it's not possible. Seems the older the kids get, the faster time flies! Can't believe I haven't posted since Gabe's birthday! Heck, I can't believe 2012 is nearly here....

Sofia started kindergarten in September, and Tim and I finally flipped schedules. I work the early shift and he works the late shift. The first day of kindergarten was tough on Fia, but she has adapted really well. She really only cried that first day when she realized Gabe wouldn't be staying with her in her class all day. And I am loving working the early shift! I am at my desk by 6 a.m. and flying out the door at 2:30. The difference in the commute at 5:40 and 2:30 (compared to 8:00 and 6:00) is astronomical. There are few things grander than seeing the kids run toward me when they get off their bus in the afternoon. I wonder when this enthusiasm for mom will fade away. Of course it's probably just enthusiasm for being done with the school day! :) My heart jumps sky high to see them SO much earlier in my day than I have for the last 8 years. I really feel like I have missed out on a lot.

When we get home, I prepare a healthy snack and pretend I have a domestic bone or two in my body. We do homework together. The impetus for finishing homework early is heading back outside "to play." This generally involves me loading the kids' bikes into the car -- and then they ride their bicycles around the track at their school while I run. Sometimes Tim even joins us. The "late shift" for him, after all, is only 7:30-4 because he works so close to home. Fun and exercise for all!

I usually use the blog to boast about the kids and don't worry, I'll do plenty of that too, but I have to brag a bit about me and thank my friend Alexandria for getting me back into serious exercising this year. Right before New Year's, she asked if I wanted to join her New Year's resolution to start running. I said, "Heck yeah!" And we signed up for 3 races for the year -- a 5k in March, a half-marathon in June and a sprint triathlon in September. Along the way, we have enjoyed it so much, we signed up for other races. Since January, I have gone through 4 dress sizes and lost over 40 pounds. So, this is my way of saying, "YAY me! And THANK YOU ALEXANDRIA for getting me back on the right track!" :) Next up, we're doing the Hot Chocolate 15k on December 3rd. Chocolate and running? Doesn't get any better than that! :)

We're taking the kids to Disney World for the first time over the winter break from school. I hadn't wanted to take them until they were old enough to remember it, and holy cow -- they suddenly are! Sofia will be 6 in less than a month! This was the first year she wanted to be something scary for Halloween. She was a witch, rather than a princess. But I know she'll still enjoy every second of the Disney castle and princesses. :) We finally changed her room from a nursery into a "big girl room." She picked out "the color of the sky" for the paint on her walls. We put down a bright yellow area rug given to us by friends, Staci and Mark. Sofia says it reminds her of the sun. And she picked out lovely magnolia wall stickers we'll be adding to the walls as soon as we bring in a loft bed.

Gabe just named his new king snake that Grandpa sent him "Ferdinand" after one of his favorite stories (The Story of Ferdinand (the Bull) by Munro Leaf). Sofia is less frightened of Ferdy than Gabe -- shhh! Don't tell Gabe I said that! :)

Sofia loves reading, drawing, painting, coloring and telling beautiful stories. She is becoming quite the ham, when no one is looking of course. Nearly everyone thinks she's super shy, but we know better at home. At home, she is a serious clown, and she stands up for herself in an impressive way. "You're not the boss of me!" is becoming a phrase we hear often when she's annoyed with her bossy older brother.

Gabe also seems to enjoy storytelling and writing and recently wrote some fabulous poems. I am so impressed with the curricula these days. The teachers are teaching "integrated arts" and "living histories," where they teach them about a subject and then ask the students to act it out or write a poem about what they've learned. Gabe and Sofia both love singing, and we should really get them both piano lessons. Another thing I must make time for -- in this unbelievably fast time warp I seem to be in!

Signing off now and hoping not to take so long in between posts....
And sending virtual hugs your way,
Kristinn