"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not toegther.. there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. I'll always be with you."
--Winnie the Pooh

Lots of JOY in Mudville...

Our little family of Packer Backers is very happy this morning.  Natalie and Charlotte had to go to bed before the game ended but Natalie said to me, "can you let me know if the Packers win?  I'd really like to know."  They won, honey!!!  They had a great season.

Other than the big day on Sunday, we had some mommy-daughter errands on Saturday and lunch at Noodles.  This mixed in with the usual artwork which is created every day, some DS and Ipod Touch time, and snuggling on the couch. 

My snuggle puppies...I love what you are, I love what you do, OOOOH, I LOVE YOU!  I always find myself reflecting when I should be working.  Today I am thinking of cute things you both have said about your hair;  Natalie in Kindergarten when she got a haircut,  
Mama:  "Natalie, did anyone notice your haircut today?"
Natalie: "Well, people said they liked my haircut."
Just the way you said "well" and then well...I cannot do justice to your sweetness.  But, it's engraved in my brain.
And, then more recently like this weekend:
Charlotte: Mommy, look, my hair is getting really 'big' in back, see..."
And it is.

"We Love the Green and Gold" (OFFICIAL HD MUSIC VIDEO): Pat McCurdy

Mondays

My kids are way better at getting up in the morning than I ever remember myself to be.  Even Natalie, gets up with a smile on her face at 6:30 am.  Charlotte usually is a little silly, wants to read her book in bed and then get going.  When I think "they can do better than I did" they really do walk the walk.  I dunno.  I may have jinxed myself  The mood swings and the tantrums are all so unremarkable and just a fraction of the overall goodness that comes with being mama to Natalie and Charlotte.   Sometimes I do need to remind Natalie where others are in relation to her body, or huge hugs, or attempts to jump up into someone's arms or lap, but again...goodness and love is in her soul.

We went to "fill the bowl" for our first Badger women's hockey game.  It was so fun.  And the attendance did fill the bowl and broke a NCAA record so that was nice too.  Natalie screamed-cheered and when we first arrived, Charlotte just stared in awe of the ice.  The Badgers beat the Golden Gophers 3-1, with one "mid ice" shot being called back.  I don't understand the rules but Natalie wasn't too pleased.  She's a good lil Badger.  Charlotte was a little miffed that the Badgers didn't score >/= 5 points so she could get her free Culvers ice cream.  We are so lucky to live in a city where opportunity is endless for family activites.  I want to get involved in more than just Natalie's school functions...we need to think NCAA as well.

Uncle Tim and Auntie Shannon came down yesterday and we had brunch at the Great Dane.  We ate way too much.  Shannon looks so incredibly cute but uncomfortable.   Baby  watch=two months and three showers from now!  Cannot wait to meet the new lil Wessing.  They are going to be great parents!  Love them.

Snowapaloza is starting right now.  When all is said and done, we could have 20 inches!  I think there may well be a snow day or two this week.

Friday, oh Friday

So, we wind down the week.  Natalie, you so need a break.  I almost institued a mental health day from school for you today.  Your sunny disposition never ceases, even when you have tired eyes.  Last night, you told me SMG is a great school.  I have my reservations on a catholic school with many welltodos but hey, things have improved VASTLY since I went to ole St. Marys with its conflicting messages.

Charlotte, you have teddy bear day at school and are bringing your tinkerbell teddy bear that I got you when you had to get your tubes put in.  You love it.  You love school but not the two hour imposed nap time.  You said you "fake sleep" a lot.  You are such a great communicator. I am amazed at how well you describe, answer a question, ask a question... 

On tap for this weekend:  getting a new sofa tonight & possibly buying some deeply discounted winter gear for next year, lounging, watching movies, sleeping in, and brunch with Uncle Tim and Aunt Shannon (and their baby in utero) on Sunday.  I wonder if you will want a playdate with Olivia when I pick you up from school at 2:40?

Sometimes, I wish I could take us away and live on a little island with no work, school, life politics.

2011

Girls, here is to the best year to come, ever!
You have warmed my heart and lit up my life.  Natalie, you informed me that your preferred wake up time is 7am, not the time we make you get up for school after a looong vacation.  Charlotte, I was reading to you over the weekend and you described a scene in the book as "complicated."

I am so lucky to have you in my lives.  You both are as sweet as you look.  We will make 2011 the best year ever, I promise.  Full of total presence and fun, amidst all the "have tos" in our lives.  I love you!