A pinch and a punch….

(for the first of the month).

Well then it is July 1st We are officially more then 1/2 way  through this year. How are those New Year’s Resolutions coming?

Yeah. I don’t really remember mine either.  No matter. Each day is a chance for a new start. (Each moment is a chance for a new start, really). 

I want to focus particularly on being a better mother this month.  As I’ve mentioned before I am a huge believer in one-on-one time with my kids. It totally changes the dynamic of the relationship I have with them versus the one we have when they are part of the mob. Our “dates” have been fewer and further between then I’d like these days and I’d like to reinstitute them as regular events.

Last night with my boys all safely ensconced elsewhere (Finny’s first sleepover….sniff).  Aaron and I were free to dote on our princess with undivided attention.  It was quite magical. We asked her what she wanted to do and she suggested a bike ride and later watching a movie on the couch with popcorn. So that is what we did.

We rode our bikes to get frozen yoghurt (which turned out to be inedible. PSA: If you go to the Sundae Station do not, I repeat do not get the Key Lime Pie frozen yoghurt). I was so impressed by her stamina.  I fully expected some whining to commence at some point since it was late and a bit chilly and judging by how my legs were starting to feel.. but I guess she rides her bike a lot more then I do mine and she was as happy as can be.  After trying unsuccessfully to ingest our vile treat we headed home just as it got dark.

Then we snuggled on the couch. One parent on either side and watched Father of the Bride.

Please understand. This is not just a movie for me. It is pretty much a sacred ritual. It is a part of my culture. It shapes my very being.  When I was a tween/teen we used to watch it regularly as a family and we found it so hilarious. Every other line from the movie became an enduring  family catch-phrase.  Later each one of my boyfriends was unknowingly subjected to the Father of the Bride Viewing Test  as we all observed. If they laughed enough they were in. If not…..well….

As a soon to be bride I watched that movie again and related completely to the bride.  Also, I wanted to be her (or at least have her wedding).  On the night before my wedding we realized that Aaron had not yet seen the movie and it was imperative that he pass the test. So that’s what he did for his Bachelors Party. You think I’m kidding?  I know.  (Add that to your “poor Aaron” list). Also my dad and I had to play basketball like Annie and her dad did. So we did. There are photos. I know. The Cheese Factor could not be higher. (Although we had in the past regularly played one on one together so it was not totally staged).

Then came the sequel when the bride becomes a mommy and there were many years when that became a firm favourite because of course I related to the young mom (also I wanted the Banks’ nursery to be my home) and I dearly wished that I could have moved in with my mom at the end of my pregnancies (even if it meant my mom had to be pregnant too).

Then I just didn’t watch either one of them for a long while.

Last night, watching it again with our sweet little girl, suddenly I was the Father. (I’m sorry but I cannot relate to Diane Keaton as the mother in that role-she is just weird and somewhat irritating).  And I wept..and wept and wept…

I certainly do want my daughter to be happily married one day to a nice guy but the idea of any of my kids growing up and leaving us is still very traumatic. (I pray it becomes less so over the years).

Happily Gracie passed the Father of the Bride Viewing test and loved the movie. So she can stay. She even insisted on watching the sequel with me this morning and I was only too happy to oblige.

It was an absolutely delightful evening.  She was so sweet and so grateful to us for these simple pleasures. We kept getting hugs and kisses. I can’t wait to do it again soon.

Here she is with my first attempt at french braiding her hair yesterday.  I’m not certain where it went wrong but in her hair I think it looks stunning anyway

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