1.29.2011

Still I Ponder....

Tonight I find myself pondering about parenting things that make no sense to me. You would think at our age, Converse and I could come up with some reasonable explanation to most issues that arise in our home. After all, I say to myself, I am the parent, well into adulthood, some would argue even middle aged,  I pay a mortgage,  I drive a car, I can buy lottery tickets......parenting should be a snap. No, not that easy.
At the top of the list for instance, why does Nike Girl , an avid promoter of Crunchberries, now insist on eating Fruit Loops with mustard squirted on top of the bowl and no milk every morning before school?  I realize I could refuse to serve them to her, but it really isn't hurting much of anything other than my own appetite. I even secretly want to try it. Maybe she is on to something. Like the person who decided to put jalepenos in jelly or squeeze an almond to make milk, the results are quite surprising. Still I ponder....
Here's another one....why is Weebok, at barely 2, who plays with dolls all day, deciding to sleep with a plastic blue rubber duck, a package of Wet Ones, and a Clifford book?  Nothing snuggly about the loveys she has chosen. Do you know how many times the blue duck, package of Wet Ones, and Clifford book have been lost? Too many times to count. I find this interesting and very, very stressful to locate each night. Still I ponder....
I suppose I will continue to ponder until I find the answers to parenting and really life in general. The best I can do for now is get a good nights sleep and  wake up ready to see what surprises are in store for tomorrow. What will the new challenge be....I ponder.

Peace.
The New Balance Girl

Running Report: Ahhh...I have not written a running report in awhile. I have been on the treadmill most days which I usually can't stand. But I have been liking it thanks to some new i tunes downloads. I also find myself pondering about life on the treadmill since I don't have to be on alert the entire run watching for cars, bicycle bells and critters on the trail. I have been running about 24 miles a week. Slowly building up for spring running season. I love spring runs! I can't wait.

1.14.2011

Simply Titled : Ashlie


This is Ashlie, my 6 year old niece, looking at Santa with wonder and delight. Certainly questioning why are my parents letting this strange jolly ol' man talk to me about coming to my house. Great Christmas Eve.  Who would have known that Ashlie would  leave this world suddenly but peacefully  Jan. 6, 2011. What wonder and delight she must have had when she entered Heaven!

Although physically limited, this little girl, was so able bodied  to make a difference in the lives of everyone she met. That has been so obvious the past week especially to my brother and his family but also to us. Ashlie was unable to speak,. However, her inner spirit and crooked little smile spoke volumes. Story after story  keep coming in of how each day those around her felt joy and love. Is that not amazing! The gift this child had and shared with others.
Ashlie had a tragic beginning to her sweet life when she suffered a  traumatic brain injury . My brother and sister-in-law ended up crossing her path through life. It was fate. They already had a family. But they opened their arms and adopted Ashlie and gave her a home of love, joy, peace and support. Ashlie became a true princess! What an amazing thing to do for another human being! Give someone unconditional love, as you are, no strings attached.   

Nike Girl told me that when you go to heaven you get to pick out what color of wings you can wear. She and I agreed sweet Ashlie was certainly wearing all pink! 100 % girlie girl! And lookin' good!

Ashlie we are sure you are running, jumping and playing hopscotch in Heaven. You most certainly are singing and talking nonstop. What a sight it has to be! 

Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl