And She Rides!!!!

Emilie is probably the wussiest girl in the world. She has been since she was a tiny child. She used to be afraid of the cracks in the side walk. She would look at them and scream with sincere terror on her face, until I carried her over the giant cavernous crack.

That being said, I was afraid she would never learn to ride her bike. I would suggest we go out and practice, and she would cry and say, "I don't want to learn, I'm just not that kind of person."

One day last week when we were walking home from school a girl smaller than Ivy came speeding past us on her bike. I decided that was IT! She was going to learn to ride whether she liked it or not.I even gave her a lecture on the way home about how I'm not a good mom if I don't encourage my kids to do things they may think are scary, but which are actually good for them and fun too.

So we got home, I pumped up her tires which were flat from never being used, and I sent her out into the street. After 10 minutes of holding on to the back while she rode I let go. She rode 20 feet before she noticed I wasn't holding on anymore. After 30 minutes she was cruising around our cul-de-sac like she owned the place. Since that day she has ridden her bike to school everyday, and rides every after noon with her friends. I couldn't be prouder of my wussy kid!

Some things I love about Ivy.

There are some things about Ivy that I really don't like. Her tendency to run away for instance, and the fact that she still wets her pants occasionally. I also dislike her ability to tune the world out, or just plain ignore you if she doesn't like what you are saying.

However, this is a post about the things I do like. She is such a loving child. She is always ready with a hug and kiss. The kiss may land on your elbow, or whatever body part is closest to her, but they are always free flowing. She is so amazing with Adelaide. Adelaide thinks Ivy is the funniest person on earth. Ivy can always make her laugh. She has helped us avert many potential tantrums already. Ivy is also very sensitive, and soft hearted. From a very early age she would cry if she saw me cry. She likes to hold my face in her hands and say "Its okay Mom, just be happy." She cries when I sing YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE. the line, please don't take my sunshine away, makes her sad. She worries about people. Last night when we were saying our evening prayer she made sure to bless the Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly. Ivy was very concerned about the tummy ache the Old Woman must have. She also rhymed Uncle Paul with soccer ball during the prayer, which is another reason I love her. She is smart and so funny.

I am so blessed to have her in my life. She is such an amazing little person. I can't imagine my life without her.

Peek-a-boo!

This is what Ivy and Adelaide do for fun now. I think its pretty cute, and it keeps them entertained while I'm cooking dinner.

Mossy Green Turtle

There is a stream that runs along the edge of UTA. Over that stream is a bridge that leads to the parking lot where I park my car on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Every time I walk over that bridge I look at the turtles that sun themselves on the bank of the creek. The turtles are so cute. Some are big, and some are small, but there is one that is mossy and green. At least I think its the same one. The other turtles are usually together in clumps of 2, 3, or 4. But the mossy green turtle is usually alone. I really like that turtle. I imagine he is thinking to himself..."I may be old and mossy. My shell may be green, but I have just as much right to sun myself here as the rest of those turtles."
Good for you little turtle.
Don't let your mossy green shell get you down!

Of course I may just be a little crazy.