T.Puzzle transitioned from Pre-K to the big dance this year. While he flourished in kindergarten in many ways, his attitude towards me has shifted dramatically. I went from being his ‘best friend forever’ to… not. Trust me, my ego was ill-prepared for the loss of my little ‘Mommy’s boy’. It helps when I think about what growing up is like for him. He must get awfully tired of being told what to do every second of the day and he lets me know it, too. It’s okay. I’m a tough cookie. I can take it. No matter what he tells you, he’s always going to be my ‘baby’.
Full Speed continues to fulfill is pre-ordained destiny of being Mad Dog’s clone. His mannerisms, his physical attributes as well as his attitudes about life and sports are all a spot-on mimicry of Mad Dog. Thankfully, Full Speed couldn’t have a better role model. Well, it might be nice to tone down that competitive streak but let’s be real, that isn’t going to happen. All I can do is sit back and watch history repeat itself.
Mad Dog is painstakingly building a soccer empire right here in our cul-de-sac. His intense coaching sessions even pushed me to win most improved at this year’s family soccer classic. Trust me, after playing against Mad Dog, I know how to bring the hurt. Even on the days when he scores a million goals on me, and those days do happen, Mad Dog remains my biggest supporter. He trusts me to always give my best no matter what I do (soccer and otherwise). This helps me to trust in myself.
As for me, first I want to share a blog secret with you my dear, faithful readers. You may think that I have the most photogenic children on the planet. This is simply untrue. The key to my photographic success is that I average about a thousand pictures for every one, hidden gem that I post.
See what I mean?
The other part I want to share with you is this year I pushed myself to face my fear of horses and have taken some riding lessons. The first time my horse cantered, I about passed out from fright. I held onto the saddle horn as if my life depended on it (I guess technically it did).
I’m slowly learning that fear cannot stop us. We are the ones who stop ourselves. I hope by facing my own fears, I can help my boys be fearless. I have a feeling these guys are well on their way.
For me riding horses is a lot like motherhood. It’s unpredictable, frightening, joyful, exhilarating and absolutely the ride of a lifetime.
Look out 2013! We are coming for you!
