Shelby's World

Flashback Friday even though it's Monday

Piper in all her glory.

Good times.

Ordinary Life.

I've been inspired to start taking some different kinds of pictures.

Pictures of ordinary life  

some that make sense and some that don't.

I was going to do a different blog, and then commit to one new photo each day, 

blah, blah, blah

but I'm going for the simple method here.

I'll just add a new tag: Ordinary Life.

It's mostly just meant for me

a way to chronicle life in our house.

but you're welcome to peak:)

Ordinary Life take 1:  Glasses

You Go Girls

Saturday was cold, crisp and clear; perfect December weather for a 5k with hundreds of girls.

Piper was in the "Girls on The Run" program this year.

One word...Osm.

I thought the mother-daughter bonding would be my favorite part, but it wasn't.

My favorite part came long after the race ended and the huge crowd left.  

There was one runner yet to finish.

Piper and one other teammate waited along with their faithful coaches, Gretchen and Leah.

She came around the corner and they all ran to meet her.

And THAT was my favorite part.

Great 8

What happened to all those years?!

Piper, you're one of a kind.

I don't know other children that ask their fathers after work everyday, 'How was your day?  Did you have any meetings?  What were they about?'  And actually care about the answers.

Plus you do air guitar in your bridesmaid dress.

And I don't know any other children that sleep with a sleeping mask.

I certainly don't know any 8 year old with a bucket list.  Congrats on crossing this one off!

 

Bucket List from Shelby Friesen on Vimeo.

 You have $50 in birthday money and said you'd like to buy something for a couple of dollars.  When I asked you what you wanted, you said "That's the problem... I don't know because I have everything a girl could want!"  

Well I have everything a Mom could want in you Pipe.

Happy 8th Birthday.

 

Artistic Expression

Piper gave this note to her teacher...

Her teacher is about 35 years old.

She does not use a cane.

Nor does she flip off small children.

But thankfully she has a sense of humor.

As does Piper.  Obviously.

Osm.

It's 1:45 AM and I'm on a trampoline. Why is that?

Dear Samantha and Piper,
It's your last official night of summer. For months you have begged for a sleep out on the trampoline. Last night your Dad and Eli did it, which was a total set up. So here I am.

We brought the laptop out to watch a couple of Cosby Show episodes. I said we'll only watch two, but you talked me into a third. You talk me into a lot of things which is precisely how I ended up here in the first place. This is why Dad calls you guys the Great Negotiators, and why I often feel like a failure in parenting. "You must be Consistent. Children need that structure and discipline." According to all the books, that's just Parenting 101. Or as your Papa would say, "S.O.P". (that's military speak for 'standard operating procedure'). Anyway, you might grow up never accepting "no" for an answer. This could work in your favor if it's channeled correctly. Or it could blow up in your face and cause a world of hurt. If that happens, you'll most likely blame me. I'm okay with that. I'll just say, "ya, but remember the time you talked me into sleeping on the trampoline with you?!"

Do you know that Mom has to pee at least once in the middle of the night? No, I guess you wouldn't. Which is why you didn't budge during my stealth maneuvering to get off of the trampoline. It was... difficult, a bit awkward, and kind of funny. But mostly just impressive.

I took care of business and then Daddy caught me in the kitchen with the peanut butter again. Dang it; that's so embarrassing! He didn't mind though. We even shared a few peanut butter kisses ;) wink wink;)

After more ninja-like maneuvering I'm back on the tramp. Do you know what happens when three people lay on a trampoline with the heaviest in the middle? That's correct; you two slide right in. I'm super comfortable. 

Love always,
Mommy
XXOO

Ps: I already have a mosquito bite.

Strike a Pose

I don't know why or when it started.

I don't think I taught them.

But 9 times out of 10 when I say, "Hey, let me take your picture!"...

they strike a pose.

 

 

Poor Gracie isn't quite sure what to do...

Osm.

a bit crazy... 

but still Osm.

I like you Piper.

 

You're fun.

You're friendly.

A bit of a firecracker really.

and I like how you call the junk drawer, the "drunk" drawer.

Bridesmaids

Up until now, these were my favorite Bridesmaids.

That has changed since Samantha and Piper are going to be bridesmaids in October.

but they've had trouble focusing on the "maid" part.

 

Clearly they're ready for the "bride" part.

 

Sunny spot.

She's always the last one out of bed.  

Draaaaaags herself to breakfast.

Tummy full and clothes on... almost there...

but she finds a sunny spot on the floor.

Down she goes again.