A Deal's a Deal

Laurel was on a team for the first time this year. She chose to run cross country. At the first race she came in last. At the next race she came in last. I was trying to come up with a way to encourage her so I told her if she ran under a 12 minute mile I would buy her running sneakers. She tried hard at the next race, but fell short. The following week she still did not break the 12 minute mark. She was frustrated and sad and asked why I just wouldn't buy her the sneakers. I explained that while I was tempted to just say- good enough and go get them, I wanted her to feel the pride of accomplishment. I knew she would do it sooner or later and that it would feel great to "earn" them and not just get them because I feel bad for her. At the fifth race grammy, daddy, mommy, nana and Owen were all there to cheer her on. Within 5 steps of the start of the race Laurel fell hard on the pavement. My eyes filled with tears- poor Laurel is never going to get these sneakers. I was tempted to go scoop her up and hug her. But thankfully before I could move, she popped right up and started running again. I saw her at the half-way point coming out of the woods doing great. I yelled, "You're my hero Laurel. You just got right up and started running again." At the end of the race she told me, "When I fell down it really hurt but I did not want to come in last and the longer I sat there, the further everyone was getting away from me so I just got up and started running."
She got an 11:55 mile. Well- a deal is a deal and even though there was only one race left, we went to the sneaker store to buy running sneakers. Laurel had not had her feet measured in years. Usually we either use hand-me-downs or go to the summer sidewalk sale and get whatever shoe felt comfortable. The lady measured her fit and put a brand new pair of sneakers on. I knew the expense may not be justified so I used my birthday money that had been waiting for a good use in my wallet. Laurel was amazed how comfortable her new sneakers were. She has worn them with pride everyday since.
Laurel and I have learned a lot from this cross country season. So much has come easy to her, like reading and other schoolwork. It was good for her to learn how to stick with something and work hard and know what it is like to not be the best. I think she has learned more life lessons from this short season than if she had been the star- runner. (But maybe she can feel what it is like to be a star runner next season now that she has running shoes :)

Fightin' Words

Owen had his last soccer game Saturday. All in all, it was a fun experience for everyone. Near the end of the game he started yelling at a boy from the other team. I could not hear the whole thing but then Owen came back with the ultimate diss- He said with all his might, "Well your shoes aren't even tied!" It was so funny that from his 6 year old point of view, the meanest thing he could come up with was that! Some day Owen will read this and see the humor.

Family Traditions

Laurel is in grade2 and studing family traditions. She had to write about one tradition. It was so interesting to see the one she chose- I thought she might pick that the birthday person picks the restuarant for dinner or getting presents for Christmas. But the tradition most important to her is Girls Getaway. Every September all of the females in the Connors family rent the same house in Pennsylvania. We have been doing this for seven years. Usually on Saturdays we go shopping at Tannersville. This year we all bought matching pajamas and necklaces. I also got a new watch. For dinner on Saturday night my mother’s cousin, Christina, creates an amazing feast. She went to the Culinary Institute of America and she is an excellent chef. We all help make the Saturday night feast. Then we gather around and take turns sharing memories. This was the first year that children were allowed to go. My cousins, Stephanie and Grace, and I were the only children there. This year everyone shared memories about our mother. I said mine was not a memory because it was happening right then. I told my mommy that I was happy she let me come to Girls Getaway.
As an additional activty for this unit, all families were asked to send in a recipe that represents are ancestors. I am proud to be Irish and considered the old standy-by of Irish Soda Bread but honestly, no kids are ever too psyched to eat Irish Soda Bread. Not to mention the fact that I am half Irish, half German and Justin is about 4 more nations so our children really are officially American. So here is what I brought: Robbins Family Tradition: Our family loves desserts. We always make homemade desserts for special occasions like birthdays, Thanksgiving and Easter. The vanishing oatmeal bars have become a staple at all family gatherings. And if you want one, act quick because they really do vanish!

Makes Perfect Sense

Today Owen explained to me why Boo Boos have their name. He said, "No one likes getting boo boos. You get it? BOO!!! BOO!! People boo the boo boos. This ones got to brief- there is a line for the computer. It used to be one- bathroom houses were a challenge. Then it was one tv houses.... now it seems to bo one computer homes!

Stay on Your Toes

Owen is playing soccer. He really enjoys it, especially defense. He tries hard to follow all of the advice of his three coaches. At the last game he was on defense and one of his coaches said, "Owen, stay on your toes." Of course as adults we know he meant to be alert but poor, obedient Owen was out there in his cleats standing tip-toe.
While I am talking about Owen, I have to say I am so proud of how he is adjusting to a new school. I was worried it would be too crazy in a school with 600 students but he loves all the socialization. He is working hard and making friends and happy so what else could I ask for?