There is no crying in baseball

Last night my company sponsored a family night at the Diamondbacks game. I originally asked for two tickets, figuring we'd either get a babysitter for a night out or I'd take Emily out for the night. But then when I remembered that Steve was going to be in Utah visiting his sister, did I cancel? No. Did I decide to get a sitter and go solo? No. I asked for another ticket and took both girls with me. Some people, including my husband, may consider taking a 7 and 3.83 year old to a MLB game by myself crazy insane, but I laugh in the face of insanity....kind of like a crazy person might.

We had a great time. Randy Johnson was pitching....the seats were in the picnic area...we ate lots of delicious baseball fare (hot dogs...right up Meg's alley)...and Jill and Jim were there so that I could leave one when the other had to go to the bathroom (just what the J's wanted when they went the babysitter/night out route...thanks guys!). The only things that might have made it better would have been a win for Randy, if I didn't trip and fall in front of my peers (sheesh...can't take me anywhere) and if Steve could have been there for Megs' first game (not necessarily in that order, Dear).

Here are the girls clowning around in Baxter the Bobcat's den.

B.F.F.

During this evening’s dinner, Megan proclaimed, “Emily, you are my best friend.” Emily responded with a coy smile, “You’re my best friend too, Megan.” This isn’t the first time Megan has made this announcement. And if tonight is like any other night, then at some point Meg is likely to declare, “Emily, I am not your friend anymore.” It’s the typical cycle.

From personal experience, I recognize that both girls will have different “best friends” through their youth. It will depend on their classmates in school, who moves in or out of the neighborhood and the mood at that particular adolescent moment. And even though I don’t have experience with being a sister, I recognize that our daughters will also change their labels for each other. Whether it be best friend, annoying little sister, bossy big sister, etc. However, tonight’s display of unconditional love reminds me of a wish I have for them both. I hope their friendship endures throughout their adulthood.

As an only child I’ve always been envious of close adult sibling relationships. I’ve been very fortunate to have made lasting and amazing friendships through the years that have filled the void of a sister. My heart aches when I hear people say that they have a sibling that they haven’t spoken to in years. Even the thought of months without contact pains me. I can’t help but wonder what would cause that kind of animosity. Is it a product of the environment they were raised in?

I certainly hope that we are raising our daughters in an environment that creates the foundation for appreciation and trust in one another. I hope that when they meet the man of their dreams, they confide in each other. I hope that they choose each other as their maid-of-honor in their weddings, not because they feel an obligation to, but because they want to. I hope that when I’m driving one of them crazy with my incessant mothering, they can laugh about it with one another. I hope that when they get that big promotion they’ve been working for, they want to celebrate together. I hope that when they decide to start a family, the other is one of the first people they call to share the good news when the test finally shows positive.

But for tonight, I’ll just appreciate that they are getting along peacefully and we’ll keep doing what we’ve been doing so far.

Birds of a feather

You saw the picture from Emily's first day of school back here. So this week Jill brought in some pictures of her middlest's first day of school. Jeri happens to be Emily's bestest and oldest friend but in different districts. Did you notice what we noticed immediately?



That's right! The same shirt! Total coincidence. No one else might think anything about it. But Jill and I think it's darling...and we're the moms so what we think is really all that matters, right?

Cheering on the U.S. of A.

Leading up to this past weekend there was a lot of discussion about how fewer people watch the Olympics now. I just read something that says the first two nights were up 22% from the Athen's Olympics in 2004. The Desert Doers are part of that total viewership and we're enjoying it as a family. If you aren't part of those statistics and have the time, then I recommend you give it a try. Last night's 4x 100m men's swim relay was just an example of what makes it really good TV.

First day of School Part Deux

Emily will be doing her own review of today's first day of school...

So today is the first day of school and my teacher is Miss "M." She is very nice. I also have a friend named Alexis, she has been with me for 3 years! I love school! My favorite thing in class is homework. I was so excited this morning that I couldn't wait. I also go to an after school club! We do a lot of activites. My favorite is computers.

And so there you have it. All is right in her universe again.

First day of school, first day of school!

The pencils are sharpened, the backpack is stuffed with new school supplies and Emily is ready for her first day of second grade. More details on the day later.

Nothing cures "ouch" like some cowbell

Em survived. And for being just a three day work week I must admit to feeling a little haggard by the end. Sheesh. Came home and let loose with a refreshing fermented beverage and this oldie but goodie updated for your viewing pleasure courtesy of this clever fellow named Barrester.