The things I worried about in 2009: How would Maddie do in Kindergarten? IS she ready? Should I have done more to prepare? I did not TEACH my daughter, was that
ok? Where will Danny go for preschool? Is his speech developing on track? Could there be a pickier eater? How did I create this? Can it be undone? Will I ever lose my baby weight? Will there ever be enough money? Is there ever enough time? Do I yell too much? How will I fit exercise into my life? Should I update my BLOG more? etc. etc. etc.
THE RESULT: All the worries in the world did not change my reality. There is one simple answer for all the worries above, and it really is BE HAPPY. Creating that reality for my children, a safe space where they can feel free to just
be happy allows them to develop and grow and learn and
do. No matter what random day I decide to question if it is enough- within 24 hours I conclude, once again, that it is. We are not perfect parents, but these kids are happy. So despite the tears and the fears and the frustration I have realized the simple truth....
I am not creating or doing or teaching or preparing their reality. I am a force and a presence in their world (a big one I admit) but THEY will be who THEY will be. My worries didn't make their lives better. My active choice to live and be present in their lives gave them the opportunity to live their lives and that is when they got to find their happiness. Yes they are young, but many,
many things did
not go as I had planned them this year and once again
THE RESULT: Maddie loves kindergarten, Danny loves Mini Bees (a program that didn't even exist when I began my worrying and now has become a twice weekly "Danny's School") they still eat like toddlers but they are healthy and strong. They have taken life into their own hands- Maddie with her
passion for animals, Danny with his compassion for babies. Maddie with her acceptance of all types of people, Danny with his energy and enthusiasm. Maddie calling it like it is, and Danny asking me, "You happy mommy?" Don't worry, when he has just pulled his sister's hair my answer is no, but when no hair pulling is involved, I want that answer to be yes! What a waste of time if too often it is no. LIFE does not always need to be 'happy" but if that is not the energy we are seeking, then what's the point? My kids are teaching me that. In fact, I am the one with so much to learn. SO, as far as the other questions....the baby
weight is gone, but the workouts need to come along. The yelling is too much (because yelling never helps) but decreasing day by day. The money is just one of those things to put in proper perspective, remembering to be thankful that I sit in a warm house with clean clothes and plenty of food typing on a beautiful computer that I am worried about money. And the BLOG....well, if you love me you will always keep reading.
My daughter has a very poetic way of describing the world around her. Although this picture does not do nature justice, the recent rain had left a wet sparkle on the branches. As the sun set behind it Maddie said, "Look at that tree...its on fire." AND at that moment in time, the sun indeed had captured every drop in an orange shine of fire. BEAUTIFUL...my girl and all the small gifts from mother nature. 
A Thomas the Tank Engine theme and great family and friends brought this busy little boy into his third year with a big "Whoo Whoo!" At the climbing structure known as FUNTASTIC, we brought our party guests all together for the joy that is Daniel Louis. He didn't stop moving except for an occasional drink and eventually for chocolate candy. There was a cake that Mommy and Grandma were very proud of, but the chocolate hearts that decorated the table won over this little candy bandit. It was appropriate, since they were Dove chocolates with a D in the middle of each one. Just like this guy was in all of our hearts on his birthday and always!
Could we ask for more? Our sweet little girl with a gift for observation has turned six! She is kind but opinionated, collected but passionate, sassy but genuinely sweet. She is a true Aquarius- two sides of one coin with a tendency to insist on what is fair and balanced. Which is probably how she ended up with two birthday parties- with a pinata and theme for each!
Yes, she is six! And I wouldn't want her any other way than how she is right here, right now. We love you Maddog! 
Back for another round, Maddie is playing soccer again. She is the player on the farthest left. A nice little action shot considering that often she and most of the other players can be found staring off like the next picture.
She gets excited for the games and even practice, but it is clear that for Maddie the best part about team sports is being part of the team! (In other words, she likes to be social :)
GO FLAMES!!!
