Adeline turned six a few days ago. Six!?! I am starting to realize that for every one of Addie's birthdays I am destined to find myself saying something along the lines of, "How in the world is my baby already _ years old?!"

When a guy at work asked me how old Addie is he said, "She's already lived out 1/3 of the time she'll be under your roof. It sure goes fast." I about started weeping in his office. Honestly, who says that to a mother? A waxing nostalgic father of two grown daughters, I suppose. Not noticing my distress by his first comment, he went on to say how 6 years old is the BEST time, and to cherish every moment. When I left his office I wanted to quit my job and pull Addie from school so I can spend every living second of her 6th year with her.

I am all too aware of how time is flashing by. I know that soon she won't want to snuggle on my lap in the mornings. She won't think doing dishes or helping clean the house is "fun." She won't want me to play dolls with her. Soon she won't want me in her room, much less reading to her at night. I do realize that all of this preciousness is fleeting. That is why we partied hard for her 6th.

We celebrated Addie's birthday three times. On her actual birthday day, I picked her up from school and let her pick what restaurant she wanted to eat supper. I knew this was a huge gamble, risking some highly unpalatable choice along the lines of "Chuckie Cheese." Fortunately, Addie selected the Mongolian Grill by explaining, "I want to go to the restaurant with the chopsticks and the giant fire." Suh-weet!

On Friday we celebrated again with her girlfriends. Dennis picked up six little girls and brought them over to our house for a play date. I'm happy to report that there were limited tears, and no one was injured on the trampoline - Addie's 6th birthday present. And Dennis and I got to hang out with all of the wonderful girl's fabulous parents. A win-win.

On Sunday we celebrated again (yeah, we Popes know how to party), this time with the family. Addie's cousin, Elsa, turned 2 the day after Addie's birthday, so we hosted a double birthday party for Addie and Elsa. It was an uncharacteristically beautiful day (it's been the worst spring!), so we all spent a lot of time lounging around on the front porch and playing in the yard.

It was a beautiful week full of celebrating our beautiful girl.

Nearly Two Hundered Years of Friendship

I have great friends. I know because they've put up with me for a VERY long time. When people make friends with me, they better mean it. I'm pretty difficult to shake. These photos prove it. Over the past three weekends, I've been blessed to spend time with some of my oldest and dearest friends.

On this past Sunday I spent 3 hours catching up with my high school English/Speech/Drama teacher, Mrs. Koch. My BFF, Anita was in town so we could go to The Decembrists concert in Omaha that night. Since she was heading this way minus the kids (thank you Art!) she wanted to try and arrange a get-together with the teacher we both have credited with keeping us sane in high school. Anita, Kjell (who I’ve been friends with since we were 4) and Mrs. Koch (I can't call her Patsy. It feels weird!) sat at a restaurant for over 3 hours catching up. Anita and I hadn't seen her since we graduated 20 years ago (make that 21, ahem!), but we laughed and talked like it was yesterday. It was so great.

Three days prior to that I met my friend Liz, whom I met in college, for dinner. I hadn't seen her in several months, but it's like no time has passed. She is always up to something great and is very creative. (check out the link to her purse site on ETSY.com on the right). We then went to The Bookworm to attend our mutual friend's book launch. Rainbow has been writing ever since I’ve met her - either for the Daily Nebraskan on campus, the Omaha World Herald or copy for an Omaha ad agency. She's been brilliant at all of those, so it's no surprise that when we arrived to her book launch an hour after it had began, all of her books were sold out ("Attachments" by Rainbow Rowell) - and had been for nearly an hour! I've since picked up a copy, and am enjoying it so much. It's fun to read something by someone you know so well. I have all this context that others won't. It adds to the fun of it being a great read in itself. It makes me realize that there really is no such thing as pure fiction. At her book launch we took a photo together of all of us who lived together in Pound Hall at UNL Melissa, Liz, Rainbow and me. We ate a LOT of pizza together, listened to Liz Fair records, cried over boyfriends and did some studying, and lots of laughing. Then two weekends ago I met with my "book club" - which I have to say in quotes, because we did start off reading the same book, but have since given that up to just getting together. We talk about books, but not all the same one, which I personally think it better. These women are my delight. We all met in college, but didn't really get to become close friends until we were well out of college and starting our own homes and families.

So these three photos represent over 160 total years of friendship. How did I get so lucky to have such talented, beautiful people in my life, and for so LONG? All I can say is it's one of my life's biggest blessings.

My Poor Neglected Blog

Oh my poor neglected blog. Is anyone still out there?

I’ve been full of good intentions – sort of like my intention to can and freeze everything in my garden last summer (which I did!), or my intention to get rid of all of Addie’s old clothes (which I didn’t!).

So, just in case there is someone out there who is still actually reading this – a quick recap is in order (get comfy):

Last summer was full of fun in the sun, and a VERY productive garden. We just did our first planting for garden 2011 this past weekend, and I’m already starting to panic about trying to keep up with the bounty! We certainly have been enjoying the frozen veggies all winter. I’ll try to remember that when I’m up to my armpits in tomatoes come September!

Addie started Kindergarten in August with very little fanfare. She is still at her same school and in the same classroom. The main difference is that she started attending school all day, every day. She was one pooped little girl by 4:30 this fall, even zonking out in the car on the 5 minute ride home from school. But she has now adjusted to being a full-time school kid. She’s learning to read, and reads me a book each night before I read to her. It’s been so fun. (esp. last week when she misread the word “fort” as fart. Mommy couldn’t help it- we both laughed until we cried.)

We spent Labor Day weekend with John and the boys in Columbia, MO. We had a great time riding bikes on the Katy Trail and just hanging out. I think Addie has a crush on Jackson. Smart girl.

The holidays were a blast from Halloween right on through Valentine’s Day. We hosted our first Thanksgiving with me making my first Thanksgiving dinner (whew!). Christmas was crazy-fun in Cozad. Granny had our week jam-packed with great activities that included swimming, shopping, movies, and a dance (yes, my fundamental friends, a DANCE!) Who knew my family had all those pinned up dance moves? It was a wonderful time together.

On the farm we re-roofed the house this fall and have the replacement windowns in. We have kept all of the chickens alive except one who died a very mysterious death. They stopped laying eggs this winter, but are swiftly making up for lost time. We have a new little kitty on our farm. We’ve named her Phoebe. Albert isn’t pleased, but is putting up with her OK.

We took our annual trip to Florida to spend a week at the beach with grandma and grandpa Pope the last week of February. We had beautiful weather in the 70s every day – which made up for me having the flu and the other health challenges we dealt with on the trip, which included a trip to the Florida Department of health (everyone is fine). One highlight of the trip included meeting up with my folks at Wakulla Springs State Park. What a magical place!

Time with family has become even more precious after experience the lost my grandma Edith Marie in October and my step grandpa Aldeberto Castillo in December. As different as they both were, they had a lot in common. Both were talented, self-taught artists, both loved to garden, and both loved their spouses - Mamo and Papo were married 71 years, and Grandpa Al and Grandma Ruth were married 32 years. Mamo was someone I grew up with at my side. She loved to sing, paint, bake, plant, and laugh. She had a wonderful laugh - more like a girlish giggle. She taught me to appreciate healthly food, the gift of singing together, and family. Grandpa Al married my grandma Ruth when I was 6. He was a soft-spoken giant of a man who would never leave the house without his cowboy hat. He was a WWII vet and a die-hard liberal who wrote scathing letters to the editor. He had a tremdously dry whit that was never mean spirited, but laugh out loud funny. I will miss both of these beautiful souls forever, and am so thankful they were a part of my life.

And so that brings us to spring. Even though it's still cold you can feel the hope of spring. The birds are in the air, tree buds are swelling and the sedges and crocuses are beginning to poke out of the ground. We took a 1 hour family hike yesterday at Spring Creek Prairie despite the cold and ice pelting us from the sky. Spring is coming – I just know it is.

I shouldn’t rush it. Spring means yard work, garden work and no more long cozy nights by the fire playing endless games of Crazy 8’s and Old Maid. Maybe winter isn’t so bad . . .

Road Trip!

We took an extended family road trip - for as far as Dennis and I can recall – only the second time as a family. We hit the road on Thursday and headed due east to AdventureLand on the east side of Des Moines. I’m not a big amusement park fan. They’re right up there with shopping malls and Tea Party rallies, but my kid and husband were SO excited. I’m still not sure who was more psyched!

We hit the park at 11 and played until 3, and it was fun. It was perfect for a 5 year old.

Addie, to my surprise is a bit of a dare devil. She wanted to go on EVERYTHING. Luckily her daddy can still sit and spin. Her momma can’t even push the merry-go-round at the playground, so I’m basically zero fun. We all agreed that the log ride was the BEST and walking around in wet undies is totally worth it.

After AdventureLand we continued east to Iowa City to my beloved friend Kathryn’s home (see her blog to the left). I was so excited to see her new (to me) digs, and her beautiful family. Seriously. She has the most beautiful children and sooo sweet and engaging. They both were completely welcoming and excited to have us. Addie loved them both, although I wish she wouldn’t have been so pooped from all of her previous adventures at the amusement park. There were a few meltdowns . . .

My favorite part of our stay there was the next morning when Alex comes into the living room in his Toy Story underwear to show me his favorite book – Captain Underpants appropriately enough! Then came little Lila with her pink bear and her thumb in her mouth. She climbed right up in bed with me and we all had a little chat. How great is that?

And Howes, how come y’all have to live so stinkin’ far away?

We hit the road for Chicago Friday morning. We made great time until I-90. We could SEE the city, but it still took an hour to reach Michigan Ave. We had plans to hit the shore that afternoon, but by the time we parked, checked in to “Hotel Felix” and made it downtown, it was late, late, late. All we had time to do was grab some grub and then skedaddle back to our hotel before a nasty storm hit the city – 70 mph winds and hail. It was a tad dicey there for a bit . . .

Friday night was Rocky’s graduation ceremony. No photos here since my ancient camera eats batteries, but the key note was given by some famous-ish chef who was Chris Farley reincarnated. I swear. We then all hit the restaurant where Rocky now works as one of their chefs – Branch 27. All I can say is YUM. We sat and ate until 11:30, and Addie hung in there like a trooper until she passed out on my lap at about 10:30.

She was SUCH a good girl the entire trip. Just a delight. It made us so proud.

Saturday we hit the beach. It was a beautiful day. We had planned to go to the Shed Aquarium, but it was too nice to be inside all day. We were at North Ave. Beach with mom and Aunt Loretta (thanks to Dennis’ extreme generosity in parking the car – practically in Wisconsin). The moral of this story – don’t drive in the city. Use your feet, man. It’s the way to go.

After the beach we said goodbye to G-ma and Aunt Loretta and then the Popes walked the city. We walked from Navy Pier to Millennium Park and then back to our hotel. Chicago is such a great city.

We drove home Sunday. Addie again amazed me with her travel skillz. We had bukue DVDs for her to watch, but she never even asked for a movie. My kid loves to travel, (thank you Jesus!) and I’m already looking forward to our next road trip.

A note from Teacher

One of Addie's teacher's, whose son attends school with Addie, sent me an email this week that made my heart swell with pride and my eyes well with tears . . .

"Hello! I'm not sure if Addie has mentioned this to you, but she has a three year old who is very fond of her. It happens to be my son. :) I wanted to share with you what I've noticed about this relationship, and the opportunities that are being revealed.

He loves to be with Addie as she does her work (not for the entire day, but at least a part of it, usually in the morning). It's clear he looks up to her, and the really exciting thing is that Addie is taking it as a great opportunity to develop her leadership skills!

She is very gentle, kind, and supportive of her new friend. She shows him some of the work she knows, "reads" to him, helps him know some of the rules of the farmhouse, etc... I've seen a whole new part of Addie blossom because of this opportunity that so naturally presented itself.

Yesterday, the three of us worked on some sandpaper letters, with the emphasis on Addie being the "older child" to help show this work. It was a wonderful experience. It's helping Addie to clarify some of the things she is close to mastering, but needs a bit more repetition with, AND it's giving her the chance to feel like she's a real leader (she really is !) It's wonderful that she is excited and kind about showing him the ropes. She does it in a wonderful way.

As a teacher, it's an affirmation of the benefits of the three year cycle (having 3-6 year olds in the same learning community) and the value of mixed ages. As a mother, it's heart warming to see how the two of them seem to be working together to benefit each person without even being aware of it on a conscious level."

Seriously, how great is that?

Gimme 5!

Addie turned 5 last week. She’s now an entire hand. She has been asking about her birthday for about 9 months, so we all can’t believe it’s here and gone.
I can’t believe she’s 5.

For some reason 5 has been hard on me. I’m realizing that my baby, my toddler and my preschooler is no more. Poof. She is an official, full-fledged kid, and in some ways, very nearly a tween! She is already WAY into her girlfriends. She’s already cliquey; she already desperately wants to fit in. She goes around singing “Put a Ring on It.” (Parents. Do NOT let your little girl watch “Chipmunks. The Squeekquel” unless you want a daily rendition of your child shimming across the living room singing “All the single ladies! All the single ladies!”) ((BTW, way to go, Dennis. )) : )

What I’m trying to say is that I can see her baby innocence seeping away right before my eyes, and I’m sad. I’m just plain sad.

I feel bad about being sad. (Yes. I need therapy.)

I shouldn’t be sad that she’s growing up. Five years old mean so many wonderful things are in store for our little pumpkin and I’m soooo proud of all she can do. Our beautiful daughter is learning to read and write. She can ride her big girl bike and can hold her own conversation with anyone, granted that conversation may contain questions like the one I got just yesterday, “Momma, how do kitties smile?”

I love all of this. I could not be more in love with my five year old. She is a delight and my biggest joy.

But still . . . where did the time go?

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

March started off crazy. After being away from home for nearly the entire first week, I was so excited to see Addie when I picked her up from school that Friday. She was pretty excited to see me too, and chatted all the way home, and continued to provide a play-by-play of her entire week once we reached home. As we approached the back door of our house Addie was turned back looking at me and excitedly chattering away. She missed the first step and landed face first on the second. I'll never forget the sound of my precious baby's face hitting the concrete.

Addie was so brave. She cried, of course, but she never totally freaked out.

I'm proud to say that I didn't freak out either, but it took a very conscious effort! We did end up making a trip to the ER to make sure she didn't need stitches. Thankfully she didn't, and we're hoping she won't have too much of a scar. It's healed nicely as you can see.

Addie had me document the entire event with a story she had me write out for her. It goes like this: "I fell on the concrete step. I had a big ouchy. We went to the doctors. We went to a restaurant. Then everyone went to bed."

Yep. That pretty much summed it up. I'm hopefully this matter-of-fact attitude carries through into the more drama-laced teen years. But then again, she IS related to me, so . . .

Thankfully the month ended on a much more positive note. I learned that I was hired for the job I applied for back in February! I'm really excited, (and a little nervous).

Am I really ready for this much responsibility? I'm going to be someones boss for heaven's sake! I'm on the "state leadership team." What?! It's all a little weird. I am an official bureaucrat!

My title cracks me up - Public Information Officer. One of my girlfriends who also works for the Federal government was quick to point out that the acronym for my position title is PIO, which could loosely be pronounced "PEW." I now want people to greet me with their fingers shaped like guns, and as they mock shoot me make laser gun sounds "PEW! PEW!"

See what I mean about not really feeling ready for this much responsibility?