Living my best life

Have you heard the song from Ben Rector called “Living My Best Life”? It’s so good. Of course, I love the tune and Ben’s singing is great, but I like it mostly because I am totally living the stage of life he is talking about. One where you have opinions on the ottoman that goes with your couch, you’re busy holding your kiddos’ hand, your best friend is in the bed next to you, and you seriously can’t believe you are where you are. One line in the song I like is “I’m learning how to eat the the fruit that is in season.” 

I think that line is just the best advice for every season of life. Don’t you think? I’m sure I’ll have to remember that when I have teens, when I’m becoming a mother-in-law, etc. The fruit will be different, but it will still be good!

Things keep happening that make me realize more and more that I’m not in my twenties or thirties (gulp!) anymore. Case in point:

- I recently gave Oliver $8 to buy lunch at the mall. He was like, will this buy me anything? Ends up he could get a piece of pizza (for $6.29). He wanted a soda but that would have been $2.69 more. After he came home and told us this, Jess and I remarked, “We could have bought two pieces of pizza and a soda for that much when we were younger!” Oliver’s like, that’s interesting guys, but next time $10 would be better. 

- I have become my mom. I cut my own hair, like to buy clothes and even have stuff in my closet that still have tags on them, use the same parenting methods, say phrases to my kids like, “it’s not hard to change your bed sheets” or “that’s a little too loud,” and I sit down to play the piano in short 5-7 stints. 

- Jess and I are always talking about home improvements or changes. Many of our friends are too. 

- I have been to a PTA meeting, acting like I know what’s going on when I really don’t. Ha! I just sit there and nod. Next year I’m the secretary. Wish me luck. 

- The mall I went to as a little kid and the adjacent restaurant I’d frequent as a teen have been torn down and the spot is now being filled with new housing. 

- I look on Instagram and appreciate accounts that help pregnant women and their partners learn about giving birth. 

- I saw a quote in an obituary the other day and appreciated it… “the art of living is: adjusting.”

But I feel young too! Yesterday I ran my second fastest mile and I wasn’t too worn out (but I was feeling it. Ha!). I can still wear a pair of white boots and no one cares. I’m asked if Elsie is my first, and when I say she’s actually my fourth, people respond with surprise. And that’s the fun of it. This stage is a sweet spot in the middle. It’s the peach of life. A delicious fruit when it’s in season. 

Pre-spring wrap up

The last few weeks have been filled with good stuff. 

Elsie made herself a sheepskin dress and paired it with her brother’s shoes. A fashion forward look to be sure! She prefers to “run nakie” most mornings and evenings. 

Oliver’s in a symphony and a symphonic band, and they’re both pretty good. The symphony had the opportunity to perform at Abravanel Hall. 

Both sets of Grandparents came and it was so nice to sit and listen to the music. Elsie had a good seat :)

Then the school symphonic band got into the state competition which his school had never done before. This was a big deal! Oliver was a tad bit nervous, but had a great time. It’s cool because they all tune to his B flat to begin. I never did any of this stuff growing up, so it’s neat to see how it all works and how much fun the kids have. 

We had some birthdays. Ansel was pumped to turn nine. He had his birthday party at a skate/trampoline park and it was a great time!

Elsie turned two and started her day off by decorating the balloons we were planning to put up. We danced after dinner on her special day and she couldn’t have loved it more. This girl loves to dance. 

The last few weeks have been filled with the regular stuff too, and with it, the joy that is everyday. Another fashion choice of Elsie’s had to be documented. So many choices at Nordstrom Rack!

We had checkups. I’ve heard the best place to play is on the floor of a doctor’s office, right?

I went on the first mother/son date I’ve ever been on with Ansel for a church activity. He said to me, “Why do I have to go on a date with you when you’re already married?” Needless to say, he was most excited to see his friends, but I did get to dance with him. Ha! And this photo is, well, a perfect summation of it all. 

Ansel was Jesse Owens for his 3rd grade biography assignment. He was so excited for this day. I had bought a Jesse Owens replica jersey from Etsy, but it never came, so we were scrambling to create one the morning before school started. Thanks to my mom for buying me the tank top we used back when I was in college. It came in handy at the beach last year, but it was even better as a Jesse Owens Olympic jersey!

And no summary of life is complete without the obligatory photo of your kids at Target. Ian requested I take this picture. Thanks Ian!