Yoga Tuesday

For the past year or so, I've been working on health - eating better, moving more.  Most of the time, my main form of exercise has been walking, either on the treadmill or outside when the weather is good.

Lately, though, I've been wanting to do something more, something that will increase my strength and improve my flexibility.  I decided to go back to yoga.  Keep in mind, I haven't practiced in about six or seven years, so my memory of poses is sketchy at best.  But I did remember how calm and centered I felt after each session.  So I found a beginner class at the Y.

And then I didn't go.

I put off going to that Tuesday evening beginner yoga class for weeks and weeks.  It was always something - the weather, parent/teacher conferences, something good on TV.  Finally, I decided I'd ask Molly if she'd like to take a class with me.  And she said yes!

Tonight was our first yoga class.  Given that she is 16 and a dancer, she is far more flexible than I am.  But she stayed there next to me, giving me reassuring smiles and encouraging me to keep going. 

I'm going to be seven kinds of sore tomorrow, but I must say.... I'm looking forward to next Tuesday's class.

Friday Fun

Tonight I went to see the junior high production of Shrek, Jr.  What a fun way to spend a Friday evening.  The kids did a great job of putting on the show, but of course, I had a favorite actor!

Abby was cast as the Pied Piper, but at the last minute, she was tapped to take over the role of one of the Three Little Pigs, since the girl playing the role was sick.  Abby found out at 3:35 yesterday afternoon that she would be taking over for the first performance, and she reprised the role again tonight.  This, on top of her regular role!

What a proud mom I was.  The directors knew Abby would be able to slip into this role, learning the couple of lines, yes, but also singing the songs and quickly picking up choreography.  She rose to the challenge, just like they (and I) knew she would.

I love seeing my kids do the things they love.  Whether playing in the band or orchestra, performing in a play, or dancing in a recital, their passion and dedication shows.  I also love that they share these activities as well.  These two have a bond that is growing as they get older.

I can't wait to see what's next.

Growing Up

Earlier this week, my almost-10-year-old daughter started asking me about various ways to style her hair.  She has an American Girl book called Hair:  Styling Tips and Tricks for Girls that she's been reading quite a bit lately.  My girl has been growing her hair out since she first saw Pocahantas and decided she wanted her hair to blow in the wind just like the Disney princess.  A few months ago she mentioned that she'd like to donate her hair to an organization that makes wigs for cancer patients.

My girl's hair is incredibly thick - when wet it's nearly impossible to get a ponytail elastic around it.  It's beautiful brown hair that flows down her back.  It's also incredibly hot.  With the Chicago area heatwave in full force, she decided enough was enough; it was time to cut the hair.

I made an appointment for both of us to get our hair cut by my stylist this afternoon.  The girl decided she would go second so she could think about how exactly she wanted her hair cut.  Her eyes were a little teary, and I could tell she was beginning to feel unsure about the big cut-your-hair plan, so as she climbed into the chair and began to tell Mikel about her dream hairstyle, I breathed a sigh of relief.

So now it's done.  My baby made her SECOND grown-up decision today (the first was getting her ears pierced), and I couldn't be more proud of her.  She looks fabulous, but also older than I'd like her to look.  I know her hair will grow out, and I know I'll get used to to the new 'do, but I know I'll also miss the little girl she used to be.