Anel and cheerleading

Anel has tried out for her school's cheerleading squad for the past three years, starting as a 5th grader.  The first time, she didn't make it.  She claims her nerves got the best of her.  As a 6th grader, again, she didn't make it.  She claims her "toe touch" was not high enough.  As a 7th grader, she tried out again, pretty confident this would be her last tryout - she made it.

The first two tryouts that didn't turn out as she had hoped, were an opportunity to teach a 'life lesson.'  Many times, at life, we try, we try and still don't succeed. Sometimes, it's perhaps the notion that we think we've tried hard enough or prepared enough, when in fact we haven't.  Or perhaps other times, it's just fate, it wasn't mean to be.  I used those 'failed' opportunities to try and send the message, that sometimes things just don't turn out the way we hoped for.  It's a hard lesson for adults, much harder for a child/soon to be teenager.  You hear the usual, 'it isn't fair, why me, I'm just not meant to do this, etc...'  And perhaps some of these complaints are valid.  But, they don't get you closer to your goal.
Frankly, I didn't push the issue any of the three times.  I asked her what she wanted and to go ahead with it.  I did try to fill in the 'void' of not making it the first two times.  We tried cooking/baking lessons, other things to make her feel successful at something.

This last time, she was more prepared and more determined.  She practiced her toe touch.  She perfected the routines.  She wanted it bad.  I always try to prepare my kids for worst case scenario.  Maybe it's my maternal instincts kicking in.  In spite of all this preparation, I reminded her, you still may not make it.  You have to be ready for that too.  I know, I know, positive thinking.  But after being married to Herman for quite some time now, his philosophy of, "Prepare for the worst and hope for the best" has rubbed off.

So the day came, she tried out, and said she felt confident.  Then the waiting game began.  A few days later, I hear a yelp.  "MOM, I MADE IT!"
It's so great when our kids accomplish something they wanted so bad.  It's just cheerleading, I know, but I think a good valuable lesson came out of it.  If at first, you don't succeed, try and try again.  I hope she keeps that thought tugged right near her heart.  She will not always succeed, I realize that.  But she won't stop trying.

Halloween 2012

As a family, we really try to make Halloween fun for the kids and ourselves!  We usually have family over and make some fun and "spooky" snacks.  Later, we try and have some activities for the kids before we go for candy.  This year, we decided to begin dressing up, in some type of family "theme."  My friend Micaela has been doing this with her family for a few years now and they really get a kick out of it, as does their neighbors!

So we went with the witches and wizards theme.  The twins were not happy, as evidenced in the pictures.  They freaked when they saw Herman dressed up.  (see pictures!)  He didn't last long with the costume, but we managed to get in a few pictures.

This year, Anel decided to stay behind and pass out the candy.  We missed her on our "trick or treat" journey, but I guess it's a sign she's growing up. :(
We also decided to forego our golf cart rental this year, and walked the neighborhood.  Those of you that have been here know that the distances between one house and the next are pretty far stretched, so suffice is to say, we got our workout in that night!

I long for a Halloween night that falls on Friday or Saturday.  I feel the kids are so rushed when they have to wake up early for school the next day.  They really can't enjoy sorting through their candy and just relaxing after a fun evening out.  That's been a bummer for the last couple of years, but soon we'll have Halloween fall on a Friday and Saturday night.  YAY!

I feel that this year the holiday madness has been upon us earlier than usual.  As I went about the stores on Nov. 1, I noticed that all of the holiday decorations are out.  What happened to Thanksgiving?

Until next time,
XOXO

All four girls begin school!

August brought a new normal to our home.  Twice a week, all four girls are in school.  The twins began preschool twice a week.  So for those few hours, there is an eerie silence in my home that has taken some getting used to.  Don't get me wrong, I welcome it.  However, for the past twelve years, my ears have gotten accustomed to girls' shrieks, squeals and giggles.  I'll admit I do miss them when they are not here.  All of them.  I try to squeeze in as much as I can those few hours they are at school.  It's amazing how much one can accomplish simultaneously.  However, sometimes, I just try and relax.  Relaxing is a skill I need to perfect.  It does not come easily to me.  But I continue to work on it!

The twins love their school and get upset on the days they don't go.  They have made great gains in their vocabulary and verbal skills since they began.  I see their love for their teacher and their enthusiasm in going to "school."

Anel and Alia are now in 7th and 2nd grade respectively.  Amazing that Anel only has one more school year left in middle school then it's off to high school.  Where's that little girl I was holding in my arms just the other day?

I try to savor each and every moment with my girls.  Although many times I'm wiped out, I try to remember how quickly time passes and I try not to take for granted the gifts that I have been given.  Four healthy children.

I am blessed!

Anna Maria Island- Family Vacation - 2012

This year we had decided to go to Anna Maria Island for our annual family vacation.  The timing was difficult because we were set to leave ten days after Tony's passing.  After much thought, we decided that the timing was perfect.  This was the perfect time to huddle together as a family and support each other during the difficult days.  We convinced Emoy to join us for a few days.  It was hard to get Tony off anyone's mind.  He was an avid cook, and the year before had enjoyed himself cooking for all of us in Marco Island.  I, for one, kept thinking how different it would've been if he had been there.  But in a way, he was.  We made the best of a difficult time for all of us.  We laughed, we cried, and we remembered.  We know he would've wanted us to go on and enjoy ourselves.  Tony, we tried.

Twins learn how to swim

This summer, the twins had their first swimming lessons.  They both did very well.  Ania seems to feel more comfortable in the water, while Aila seems more cautious.  Either way, they both learned the basic skills and God forbid, if they were to fall in deep water, they have both been taught and have shown that they know what to do.  Ms. Tracy was their swim teacher, and it was funny how Aila would scream when she heard the doorbell, first thing in the morning.  She knew it was Ms. Tracy!  Little by little, they both got more comfortable in the water.  I'm hoping that by next year, they will feel more confident and I will be even more relaxed knowing they can swim.  Although we never let our guard down, (or our baby gate), it does give you a great sense of relief to know all my girls are good swimmers.

July Birthday Girls, Anel and Ciara

Anel and Ciara have birthdays 5 days apart.  They usually are together on their birthdays.  This year Ciara was with us on her birthday.  We went to lunch and then surprised the girls with a couple of days at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne.  They had so much fun, although I was missing my sister who had joined us the previous year.  We made the best of it though, and I think what they really loved was room service.  What is it with room service and kids?  They were looking forward to the one night I allowed them to order.  They enjoyed games by the pool, dinner at the Italian Restaurant, and even our walk to the local Winn-Dixie!

The Ritz does a great job of making their guests feel like royalty and the girls got a kick out of that.  I kept reminding them, if you like this lifestyle, you will have to work for it!  Go to college and educate yourselves!  I think this experience taught them that!

End of School Year and Summer Recital

The girls finished school in June and had their yearly ballet recital shortly thereafter.  Anel has taken ballet and dance lessons for about ten years now, five in this studio.  She received a "5 year" trophy, which she had been waiting for for about five years!  This year she began pointe lessons and is very excited about it.
Alia has been dancing for 4 years, and will get her trophy next year.
They did a fantastic job and really enjoy their recitals.  I hope they keep these memories of their dance years close to their hearts.  And of course, the twins began this September their first ballet classes!  And they are loving it!  Not surprised.  With a house full of girls, ballet slippers, leotards, tutus and tights abound in our home!