Shelby's World

A Pitiful Day

Here's the back story:  Samantha and Eli got palatal expanders put in their mouthes.  Eli can roll with it, but Samantha is somewhat traumatized.

When you put that kind of hardware in the mouth of an anxious child that only likes about 5 foods you've got a problem.

She's found it difficult to eat anything.  This equals chronic low blood sugar, and that equals drama... for everyone.

The first eruption happened on our way to pick up Poppy from the vet.  

A summary~ screams, tears and flying fishy crackers.

She waited in the car while I got the dog.

Poppy was spayed and returned to me looking like this~

In a word... pitiful.

I stood in front of the car window, with coned dog in hand, looking at my crying child.

She began to laugh.

Then cry.

Then laugh.

Then cry.

Then she settled on laughter and compassion for the coned one.

The end of the story looked like this~

Two pitiful girls doing the best that they can.

One mom grateful for both.

Eleven

 

There was once a time when you only cared about Buzz Lightyear and your blanket.

You don't care about Buzz anymore:(  

Now we discuss boys and bras.

But that blanket has never left your side.

It has changed and evolved much like you have.

It has survived challenges.

It's bolder now.

It's perfectly seasoned.

It gets better with age.

Just.  Like.  You.

Happy Birthday Sammers.

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.

Fun behind a boat

although it doesn't look like Samantha is having any fun:(

I think we can fix that with a little speed...

Much better:)

 

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.

 

Current favorite child.

Why?

Because she told me this~

"Mom, you have an outstanding heart, a grateful mind, and a caring soul."

I will remind her of this next time she screams, "I hate you!"

White girls CAN jump!

We inherited a bone breaker trampoline.

I promise we'll get rid of it after the first trip to the ER.

Meanwhile, I can totally do a flip.

But I can't do it without peeing my pants.

Eric and the kids however can stay totally dry.

3,650 days ago my life changed forever.

Samantha Scott arrived and I became a mother.

That baby is now a girl.

So in honor of Sam's 10th birthday,

I present the Top 10 Reasons why Sam is so spectacular!

10.  Eclectic taste in music:  Sam listens to music and jumps on her mini trampoline everyday.  You'll here The Sound of Music, Celtic Thunder, Justin Beiber, Joshua Bell, Michael Jackson, Elvis, The Nutcracker, Bon Jovi and Lady Gaga playing at any given time.

9. Very sentimental:  If you've given her a gift, of any size or value, she'll remember it, display it, and save it... forever.  Sometimes that's not always possible and a source of stress, but we work through it:) 

8. Generous:  She gives away her allowance to homeless people.  She likes to say, "God Bless You" when she hands them the money.

7. Thoughtful:  She starts making Christmas gifts the day after Thanksgiving.  She won't leave anyone out.

6. Dedicated:  She's in her third year of violin.  Sometimes she doesn't feel like practicing and we've asked her if she's tired of it.  She'll respond, "I'll NEVER stop playing the violin!"

5. She takes risks:  She's not a risk-taker by nature, but she'll go for it in her own time.  Jumping off a diving board, ropes course, recital, public speaking, etc.  She makes us proud.

4. She loves to be alone with us:  Sam gets down right giddy when Piper and Eli are out of the house at the same time.  She often wishes she could be an only child even though she loves her siblings.  These times feed her soul.

3. Honest:  Sam told a white lie about 3 years ago and it still plagues her.  When there is trouble in the neighborhood we go to her; the "informant", because we know we'll get the truth.

2. She is her father's daughter:  Sometimes I get cocky and think that I know what's best because I'm the mom.  I'm often wrong.  She is very similar to Eric~ slow decision maker, methodical, attention to detail, anxious and highly capable.  He is her anchor.  

1. She lives and loves deeply.  Sam takes her life, and everything in it, very seriously.  Sometimes it's too much and we get concerned, but mostly we find it endearing.  She has a bright future ahead of her.

We're madly in love with her.