Clare's picture day outfit

CBear was very pleased with her new horse leggings from Mimi that she got for her birthday. She decided they would complete the perfect picture day outfit.

And don't forget those snazzy new blue sneakers!

Thank you, Mimi! (And Sir!)

Clare is 8!

Our Clare turned 8 today. Clare has such a strong, unique presence as my middle child, it's so hard to imagine not remembering every tiny detail about her no matter how much time passes.  Clare as her 8 year old self is energetic, independent, enthusiastic, muscular, strong, goofy, big hearted, innocent, and crazy for animals and gymnastics.  She's so happy being a kid and doing her thing.  She takes very good care of her little brother and creates the best imaginary worlds along side her sister.  She's also stubborn, messy, easily distracted, disorganized, and frankly, maddening like you wouldn't believe.  She will dig in her heels and literally cry and holler for blocks to let you know how you've wronged her. 

Clare and Kit in their new gymnastics outfits

But one of my favorite things in the world is cuddling with Clare - she's still my little kitty cat - and hearing her little, big thoughts on the world and how she fits into it.  She observes, opines, reflects, often pulling thoughts out of the air, remembering events that seemed inconsequential. 

She's been on the move her whole life, and time has not slowed her down.  When she's home, she's either on her bike or jumping and flipping on the trampoline.  When she wants to get from one place to the next, she cartwheels to get there.  

In her new winter coat

Her best buddy is our neighbor, Olivia.  They love being goofy together, and what I love most about their friendship is that it seems so simple and straightforward, at least from a grown-up's perspective.  They just love having fun, running around, dancing, flipping, and laughing.   

Dancing in the basement with her buddy

Her other best bud is our puppy, Matilda.  Sometimes I wonder if Clare doesn't forget she's not a dog, the way she gets down on Matilda's mat with her and rolls around.  Matilda is my sidekick, but Clare's pal.    

I love the comment Josh made about Clare on Facebook, so I'll close with that after saying what happiness my Clare Bear brings me.  She is fascinating and a wonder.  And now here's Josh:

I was once told before I had children that when your first kid is born, you think it's all going to be about how you raise them. When you have another, you realize it's all about who they actually are. Happy 8th Birthday to my special Clare, who has always gone her own way and, I hope, who always will. As we used to say during her Pooh-loving days: "The most wonderful thing about Clare is Clare's a wonderful thing...the most wonderful thing about Clare is that she's the only one."

A hiatus for the blog

I think it is time for me to admit temporary defeat on the blog.

Between semi-single motherhood, taking 2 classes, being a teacher's assistant for an undergraduate PH class, ferrying the kids around to their activities, preparing to sing in a Mozart Requiem concert, running, and attempting to stay current on world news and whatever book I'm reading (oh, and of course, sleeping), the blog just isn't going to happen for now.

We have bumped up our move date to mid-December.  I only have two classes next semester, both of which will occur on Wednesdays, so it makes sense for me to be the commuter.  Then we can all be together again and simplify our schedules.

I cannot guarantee the blog will start up again then.  It may not be until I graduate at the beginning of May.  Then I will have no excuses. 

An early birthday party for Clare

Japanese Festival

My little helper

And he's off!

Typical Saturday morning at our hosue